Flights from Anchorage to Valdez have been cancelled by Era Alaska and Grant Aviation for most of the day Friday because of a failure of navigational aids at Johnstone Point on nearby Hinchinbrook Island, according to Richard Albright of Grant Aviation in Valdez.
"I have one flight on the ground here in Valdez ready to depart if I can get clearance," said Albright, when reached at the Valdez Airport.
Navigational aids are necessary for instrument-only approaches into Valdez, when visual-flight rules do not apply, usually due to bad weather or darkness.
According to Albright, the problem should be resolved around 8 p.m. this evening. However, travelers should check with either Era Alaska or Grant Aviation for confirmation.