July 23, 2010 9:00 a.m. --- The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is preparing for the possible effects of Tropical Storm Bonnie.

Armstrong International’s preparation process is very fluid taking into account the projected path of the storm and forecast intensity. As these aspects change, so may the Airport’s plans. The overriding factor on determining when to curtail aircraft activity is safety: safety of aircraft and passengers, and safety of airport personnel. Over the next few days, Airport management will meet with airline representatives to review conditions and determine what stance each airline proposes to take. The individual airlines will make decisions on when to cancel their flight operations based on their internal policies. Again though, as the storm changes, so may the airlines’ decisions. As soon as the Airport is made aware of any cancellations, we will provide the information to the news media for dissemination.

Again, each storm is continually evaluated as its path and intensity become clearer and our plans are adjusted accordingly. There is not a single set of rules to go by. While the airlines and Airport management may run operations until just before landfall for a minimal storm, they may very well curtail the same operations well before landfall should the storm be a major one.

For the latest flight information, refer to your airlines’ web site or reservations number or the Airport’s web site at www.flymsy.com.