HA920 arrived from Honolulu on time at 12:40 this afternoon for the medical charter to Honolulu but hopes for the return flight to depart on time did not eventuate because of various reasons.
So many travelers needed assistance and not everyone turned up on time.
Another factor according to airport officials and family members who were seeing off relatives was that there were not enough wheelchairs for those who needed them to get on board, and the lift taking the wheelchair bound passengers up to the aircraft, could only move so fast.
But there was a feeling of relief that those needing medical treatment were finally able to leave , along with residents of Hawaii and other states who had been stranded here since March.
Because of the renovations going on at the airline offices which disabled the computer system for the airline, check in was carried out at the Hawaiian Airlines cargo facility, after which travelers had to go to the terminal building for immigration and TSA screening. The newly renovated arrival area was used.
One man in a wheelchair is reported to have fainted during the screening and it’s not clear if he was able to make the flight.
Some of the medical patients also did not make it to the airport when they were supposed to for screening and boarding.
A patient escort who had boarded the aircraft and waited for nearly two hours for the plane to be airborne, called her husband to find out what was causing the delay as there had not been any announcement.
Travelers who had connecting flights to the mainland were anxious to leave or they would miss their flights.
The flight which was scheduled to leave at 2:40 pm did not take off until just after 4:30 pm. There were 274 passengers on board.
Rep Vesi Fautanu Jr., the Chairman of the House Health Committee said he went to the airport just to see how the operation went.
He said while there was a delay it was a good feeling to see people who had been waiting several months to go off island for medical treatment, leave. He said this was also a test if we are able to handle a repatriation flight.
He was appreciative of the Governor, Medicaid Office, LBJ Hospital, Department of Health, Hawaiian Airlines and everyone else involved for the successful execution of today’s medical flight.
Photos:Auzzy Asiata
