### Fog Disrupts Flights at Tijuana Airport Due to Mountain Interference
In recent hours, dense fog has disrupted 63 flights at Tijuana’s international airport, according to airport director Carlos Francisco Salgado de La Peña. Flight operations resumed as normal by 7 a.m. on Tuesday, with airlines currently assisting affected passengers.
The primary challenge stems from the airport’s location, where 98% of flights approach from the east—a direction where the automatic landing system is disrupted by a nearby mountain. This interference prevents the system from functioning effectively, complicating flight landings and take-offs during foggy conditions.
José Ángel Martínez Sánchez, Director of the Airport Network and Regulated Business at Group overseeing the airport, stated that to counteract low visibility conditions, three essentials must be in place: aircraft equipped with an automatic landing system, pilots trained to use this system, and the necessary infrastructure at the airport itself.
The Tijuana airport has been making efforts to modernize and has installed state-of-the-art technology over the past year and a half. This technology accurately tracks real-time visibility on the runway, humidity, wind conditions, and temperature, aiding decisions on airport closures and re-openings.
Moreover, ongoing challenges exist as services like Uber continue facing restrictions within the airport area, impacting available transportation options for passengers.
### Related News: Growing Concerns Over Tijuana Airport Services
As flight disruptions continue at Tijuana Airport due to natural and operational barriers, additional issues have surfaced affecting passenger experience. Local taxi services have faced scrutiny for alleged exploitation during airport blockages, leaving travelers frustrated.
Furthermore, Uber drivers have yet to gain permission to operate within the airport, leaving travelers with limited transit options. The continuing regulatory battle means passengers might have to rely on more traditional and possibly costly transportation services.
Meanwhile, broader infrastructure discussions in the region highlight the need for greater safety measures as transportation service providers raise concerns over rising incidents of assaults, particularly in the months leading up to the holiday season.
With international flights constituting a significant portion of Tijuana’s traffic, enhancing airport and public transportation infrastructure remains crucial for maintaining efficient and safe travel operations in the region.