Portsmouth airport at Pease resuming Allegiant Air flights after securing fire truck

PORTSMOUTH — Portsmouth International Airport at Pease returned to normal flight operations Saturday, after having to restrict heavy planes from landing or taking off since Thursday because of a lack of functioning fire trucks on site.

This means Allegiant Air, the airport's only commercial airline, can resume flights.

The Pease Development Association, which oversees airport operations, issued a statement shortly before noon Saturday announcing, “The complete reopening of the airport to all air services, following a temporary disruption caused by mechanical issues with our fire rescue equipment.”

The New Hampshire Air National Guard secured a replacement truck from Rhode Island, according to the PDA and a statement from the Guard. “With the arrival of this 25-ton replacement fire suppression truck, Portsmouth International Airport is once again fully operational and ready to serve all passengers and airline partners,” PDA officials stated.

Beginning Thursday afternoon, all “heavy aircraft” had been forbidden to take off or land at the airport because of the lack of available fire trucks, including all “commercial airline service.”

Allegiant Air's Sunday evening flight, 1314 departing for Orlando Sanford International Airport will fly out of Pease on its regular schedule, according to the statement from the PDA.

“Passengers with inquiries regarding Allegiant's flights are encouraged to reach out to Allegiant's customer service for assistance,” the PDA said in its statement.

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Because of the lack of working fire trucks on site, flights scheduled to arrive and depart Friday were canceled, according to the New Hampshire Air National Guard.

Two commercial flights and two military training flights were impacted Thursday night, according to National Guard officials.

Prior to the return to normal operations Saturday, Allegiant had offered passengers another flight or a refund, according to a WMUR report, which also said passengers were given $250 vouchers to use on a future flight.

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The New Hampshire Air National Guard also announced Saturday morning that the runway restriction on heavy aircraft at Portsmouth International Airport would be lifted by 1 p.m. Saturday.

The National Guard, which is responsible for providing emergency fire service at the airport, “secured a fire-suppression truck from Rhode Island after two loaners went down with mechanical issues earlier this week,” National Guard officials said.

“The replacement vehicle, a 25-ton rental, allows the department to resume a level of coverage that meets FAA standards for heavy commercial aircraft,” National Guard officials confirmed Saturday.

FAA rules require at least one fire suppression truck to be available for heavy aircraft.

Despite the return to normal operations, no commercial flights are presently scheduled to depart or land Saturday, according to the National Guard.

Airport officials extended their appreciation “to all passengers for their patience and understanding during this temporary disruption.”