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Kona International Airport advises travelers of delays

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, October 30th 2025 at 17:17 GMT by Hawaii News Now
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Kona International Airport Issues Travel Advisory Amid Unexpected Delays

The Kona International Airport (KOA) has issued a travel advisory for passengers scheduled to arrive or depart in the coming days, citing a mix of weather-related disruptions, runway maintenance, and staffing shortages that are affecting flight schedules. The advisory, released early Monday morning, warns that travelers should check their flight status regularly and anticipate potential delays of up to several hours. The message, posted on the airport’s official website and repeated in local media outlets, also directs passengers to keep an eye on the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for any changes to security wait times and boarding procedures.

Key Points of the Advisory

1. Runway Maintenance and Weather Conditions
   - Runway 16/34 is undergoing resurfacing work that is projected to continue until Friday, with reduced capacity during daytime hours.
   - A strong trade wind pattern in the last 48 hours has increased the frequency of crosswind operations, causing some flight cancellations or hold‑ups.
   - The National Weather Service forecast predicts a chance of showers on Saturday, which could further impact flight operations.

2. Crew Availability
   - Hawaiian Airlines reports a shortage of crew members due to a recent airline strike in the mainland that has delayed the arrival of additional staff.
   - United Airlines has also indicated that some of its flight crews are delayed, leading to a reshuffling of flight schedules.

3. Security and Boarding Procedures
   - TSA has noted an expected increase in wait times at security checkpoints due to the ongoing crew shortages and the need for additional security checks on some flights.
   - Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours before domestic departures and four hours before international flights.

4. Airport Services and Facilities
   - The airport’s parking lots are operating at full capacity, so travelers are encouraged to consider off‑site parking options or to use public transportation.
   - The KONA airport’s website lists a few restaurants and shops that will remain open, but operating hours might be reduced during maintenance work.

5. Flight Tracking and Updates
   - Travelers can check real‑time flight status on the FAA’s flight tracker or on the individual airline’s website.
   - The airport’s social media accounts (Twitter @KOA, Facebook KOA Airport) will post updates in real time if any flight is significantly delayed or canceled.

How the Advisory Affects Your Travel Plans

• Domestic Flights (e.g., to Honolulu, Maui, or the Big Island)
  Many domestic flights have experienced early morning or late‑night delays due to the runway restrictions. Airlines typically provide updated departure times within the first hour of a delay, but passengers might find that gates are re‑assigned or that boarding times have shifted.

• International Flights (e.g., to Tokyo, Seoul, or Guam)
  International passengers are at particular risk for long‑term delays because of the stricter immigration checks and the potential for missed connections. The advisory specifically notes that some international flights have been rescheduled to later in the day or have been canceled outright.

• Connecting Flights and Luggage
  Because the airport’s luggage handling system is operating at reduced capacity during the maintenance period, connecting passengers should check if their baggage is being re‑tagged and whether they need to collect and re-check their bags.

Additional Resources

The advisory includes hyperlinks to several key resources for travelers:

• Kona International Airport Official Website
  Provides a dedicated “Travel Advisory” page with daily updates, a map of the airport, and contact numbers for customer service.

• TSA Security Updates
  The TSA link shows the current wait times for the Kona airport and advises on TSA PreCheck eligibility.

• Weather Updates
  The article links to the Hawaii State Department of Environmental Quality’s weather portal, which offers detailed wind speed and precipitation forecasts for the Big Island.

• Airline Websites
  Each airline mentioned (Hawaiian, United, Delta, American) has a link to its flight status page, allowing passengers to see if a specific flight has been delayed or canceled.

Practical Tips for Travelers

1. Plan for Extra Time
   Even if your flight is on schedule, you might encounter unexpected changes at the gate. Allocate at least 30 minutes more than usual for security and boarding.

2. Stay Informed
   Download the “FlightAware” or “FlightRadar24” app, or use the FAA’s “Flight Tracker” to receive push notifications about any status changes.

3. Keep Essentials Accessible
   Pack a small carry‑on bag with a change of clothes, toiletries, and any required medications, in case you have to wait in the airport for an extended period.

4. Consider Off‑Site Parking or Rideshare
   With parking lots full, it may be worth taking a rideshare to the terminal or parking off‑site and taking a shuttle.

5. Check TSA PreCheck
   If you have TSA PreCheck, it can significantly reduce wait times at security, especially during a high‑traffic period.

The Bigger Picture

The combination of weather patterns, runway maintenance, and staffing challenges illustrates how even a relatively small regional airport can face significant operational constraints. The advisory from Kona International Airport is a reminder that travelers must remain flexible and stay informed about real‑time developments. As the maintenance work continues, the airport authorities will keep posting updates and adjusting the flight schedules to minimize passenger inconvenience. The airport’s commitment to transparency and communication is key to helping travelers navigate this period of disruption.

For those planning trips in the coming week, the best approach is to monitor the linked resources closely, allow for additional travel time, and remain patient as the airport works to get flights back on schedule.