Thunderstorms over and around Denver International Airport on Friday afternoon caused delays and diversions at the airport.
The storms, between 3 and and 4 p.m. impacted about 165 flights, said Heath Montgomery, a DIA spokesman. Denver handles about 1,500 flights daily.
Some departing flights were delayed between 30 minutes to 3 hours. Meanwhile, about 45 incoming flights were diverted to regional airports, including Colorado Springs.
Entering Denver airport security area….that civility training will come in handy! Wow!!! pic.twitter.com/hXvDSz9kTR
— Melissa Wintrow (@wintrow4idaho) July 22, 2017
We know delays aren’t fun but we bring ramp workers inside during storms because of lightning strikes like this one #cowx Safety first! pic.twitter.com/SUxjW72lSp
— Denver Int'l Airport (@DENAirport) July 21, 2017
Wasn't mentally prepared for this line. @DENAirport @CBSDenver pic.twitter.com/ibsoivBVQW
— Jamie Leary (@JamieALeary) July 21, 2017
This is what is right over the @DENAirport. #DenverWeather pic.twitter.com/SzdZBX9ruL
— Tomas Hoppough (@Tomas_Denver7) July 21, 2017
It's raining hard and lots of lightning at the airport. Check your flight status as delays are likely. pic.twitter.com/jJcx2Xm1zV
— Denver Int'l Airport (@DENAirport) July 21, 2017
The FAA has opened up arriving traffic so delays should improve for the rest of the evening.
— Denver Int'l Airport (@DENAirport) July 22, 2017
Some of the diverted flights have since taken to the air and have landed in Denver, Montgomery said at about 8:30 p.m.
Flight patterns at DIA were expected to get back to normal by about 10 p.m. Friday, Montgomery said.