St. John's International Airport terminal to remain closed after Friday night fire
Terminal building is closed to commercial flights until at least 5 p.m. Sunday
The St. John's airport will stay closed to travellers until Sunday evening, after a fire led to the closure of its terminal Friday night.
The St. John's International Airport Authority says the terminal is expected to stay closed to the public until Sunday at 5 p.m., with commercial flights set to resume at 7 p.m.
The airport authority says the fire began around 11:30 p.m. Friday on the second floor of the terminal near gate 10.
The St. John's regional fire department, as well as airport emergency responders, were able to contain the fire, which began in the ceiling.
Dennis Hogan, the CEO of the airport authority, says the extent of the damage to the building, including smoke and water damage, was worse than initially thought. It was first thought that service at the airport could resume Saturday night.
He said the damage is still being assessed and that the airport authority is currently working with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary, the St. John's fire department and a building restoration team to navigate the situation.
About 36 commercial flights were cancelled or delayed, Hogan said, due to the fire and the winter storm conditions facing eastern Newfoundland on Saturday.
The cause of the fire is still unknown. Only commercial flights have been affected by the terminal closure.
Only about 30 people were in the building at the time of the fire, said Hogan, and everyone was able to evacuate the building safely.
The airport authority is advising passengers not to visit the airport until it is determined the terminal can reopen safely. Travellers are also being asked to contact their airlines directly before heading to the airport.