Bradley Airport was closed after a vintage World War II-era B17 plane crashed Wednesday morning, killing seven people, and injuring eight others.
Flights that were supposed to land at the airport in Windsor Locks were diverted to T.F. Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island for a few hours. Around 1:30 p.m., Bradley reopend runway 15/33. Runway 6/24 remains closed after the crash.
Hundreds waited at Bradley International Airport today with luggage, kids, and a board that showed many delays and cancellations, growing with each hours that passed.
The UConn women's soccer team was trying to get to a game in Memphis when their flight was cancelled.
"We get in late tonight and then we play tomorrow night," said Margaret Rodriguez, the team's head coach. "We are now getting on a bus, bussing to Boston, and flying from Boston to Houston and then to Memphis. We don't get in until like midnight."
"Not what we had planned but it's out of control and we can't focus on that but it definitely doesn't help to prepare for a game tomorrow."
How to Get to TF Green Airport in Rhode Island:
Local
If you are picking up a passenger who were supposed to land at Bradley, here is how to get to Green Airport:
From Southern Rhode Island and Connecticut, take Interstate 95 North to Exit 13.
From Worcester, take MA-146 South which becomes RI-146 South. Take RI I-295 S to Exit 3A, RI-37 East to I-95 South and take Exit 13
Approximate Travel Times
From New Haven
Travel time approximately: 109 minutes
Travel distance: 96 miles
From New London:
Travel time approximately: 59 minutes
Travel distance: 50 miles
From Worcester
Travel time approximately: 73 minutes
Travel distance: 51 miles
The Federal Aviation Administration said a vintage B17 aircraft crashed at the end of Runway 6 while attempting to land. Officials said the plane slid off the runway during landing.
The plane involved is a Collings Foundation World War II aircraft, according to the airport. It's unclear how many people were on board the plane.
Officials from Hartford Hospital said they are getting at least six patients. One was flown via LifeStar.
