Wildfires force Alaska Airlines to cancel Portland, Spokane flights
As wildfires continue to rage across the West Coast, Alaska Airlines is suspending all flights to and from Portland, Oregon and Spokane, Washington.
It also affects flights on subsidiary Horizon Air.
"Across the West, fires are creating thick smoke and haze, causing very poor air quality conditions in the Portland and Spokane areas. We made the difficult decision to stop our operation so that our employees and guests can remain safe." The airline said.
"Improving weather conditions in the coming days could begin to dissipate smoke in Portland and Spokane. However, other airports in the West could be impacted by drifting smoke."
Customers with bookings can change or cancel flights and the airline asks that people check their flight status online before departure.
The two airlines also cancelled services at regional airports in Eugene and Medford in Oregon, and Pasco and Walla Walla in Washington.
There have been at least 30 wildfires raging across Oregon, and at least 35 deaths confirmed on the West Coast.
Smoke has also impacted air quality in Canada with several provinces affected from nearby British Columbia to as far away as Ontario.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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