BAD WEATHER CLOSES TWO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS

On 21 December 2009 civil aviation authorities temporarily closed Tegucigalpa's Toncontin International Airport (MHTG/TGU), La Ceiba International Airport (MHLC/LCE) and Roatan International Airport (MHRO/RTB) due to inclement weather, including heavy rains, winds and fog. As a result of the poor weather, authorities instituted a green alert level for the departments of Atlantida, Cortes, Colon, Islas de la Bahia, Gracias a Dios and Norte de Yoro which was expected to last until 1700 local time on 22 December. International flights that were scheduled to land in Tegucigalpa on 21 December were rerouted to San Pedro Sula's Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport (MHLM/SAP), located approximately 180 mi/300 km north of the capital. All morning domestic flights between San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa were grounded due to poor visibility. Despite rains that continued into 22 December, flights resumed normal operations on the evening of 21 December. Authorities have cautioned, however, that the inclement weather is likely to continue for the next 24 to 48 hours and may prompt further flight delays or cancellations.