Officials: Dead armadillo delays 40 flights at Orlando International Airport
FILE - Airliners wait for takeoff in a queue at runways 36L and 36R at Orlando International Airport, Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, after the FAA grounded all U.S. flights earlier in the day. Flights were grounded nationwide for the first time since the
ORLANDO, Fla. - More than 40 flights were delayed at Orlando International Airport Wednesday morning after an animal was hit and killed on one of the runways.
Initially, the FAA reported on its website that there may have been a bird strike at the airport. However, officials for the airport clarified that there was not a bird strike and that an armadillo had been hit and killed on the runway.
Pilots aboard a Southwest Airlines plane that was in the process of landing at MCO spotted the dead animal and reported it to officials, the airport said.
The runway had to be closed in order for teams to remove the animal's remains. The runway was closed for 20 minutes, which resulted in 43 flight delays.
TSA shows off weapons found in carry-on luggage at Orlando airport
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said a new record has been set at Orlando International Airport where 154 passengers have brought guns to security checkpoints. Firearms must be in checked baggage. All firearms must be properly packed and declared to the airline at check-in, which means unloaded and in a locked, hard-sided case. In additions to guns, some passengers brought knives and other items which could be used as a weapon.
Two other runways were also undergoing routine maintenance and construction, which furthered the impact, the airport said.