Cargo Flight diverted to Faleolo due to bad weather
Updated: Jun 29, 2022
By: Tosimaeʻa Tupua
Email: tupua@opi.as.gov
After showing up in the sky at Pago Pago International Airport about 2:00 pm, the cargo flight Asia Pacific couldn’t land at the airport over what the Control Tower at Faleolo Airport described as poor weather visibility.
Reports received by KVZK News say the cargo flight was due to land at Pago Pago International Airport at around 2:45pm but it aborted landing due to zero visibility and strong cross winds.
The pilots attempted to land the aircraft a second time at around 3:10 but it was impossible so the aircraft flew around Tutuila for another 20 minutes before making its way to Faleolo International Airport, passing Vaiusu around 3:48pm
The FlightRadar24 showed the Cargo flight (USPS) first went around American Samoa at 2.51pm and nearly reached Aleipata before turning around.
KVZK News received confirmation from Samoa that the Asia Pacific Cargo flight was diverted to Faleolo International Airport due to bad weather in American Samoa. It landed there at 3:30pm. A staff of the Department of Port Administration KVZK News spoke to said they hope the cargo flight will be able to land in the Territory tomorrow otherwise there will be delays in cargo, import and outbound mail.
The National Weather Service of American Samoa (NOAA) issued a high surf warning and wind advisory for all of American Samoa this afternoon. The advisory says, an active trough and a strong ridge of high pressure continue to hold strong and gusty east and southeast winds through Sunday. Flash flooding conditions are also possible as the aforementioned trough enhances over the Islands for this duration. Inclement weather will gradually diminish by Sunday night. NOAA also advises that there will be widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms tonight.