Less than a day after a deadly midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., travelers at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport are pressing forward with their travel plans while mourning the tragedy.
The accident, which occurred as American Eagle Flight 5342 was preparing to land at Ronald Reagan National Airport, is feared to have claimed the lives of all 60 passengers and four crew members on board. The military helicopter carried three people, none of whom are believed to have survived. Authorities continue to search the Potomac River for remains, with more than two dozen bodies recovered as of Thursday. If confirmed, this would be the deadliest U.S. air disaster in nearly 24 years.
In response to the crash, at least six American Airlines flights from Cleveland to Reagan National were canceled Thursday morning. However, by 11 a.m., the airport had reopened, and flights resumed nationwide, including most departures from Cleveland Hopkins.
Many passengers at Cleveland Hopkins said the accident was on their minds as they prepared to board their flights.
“I was thinking about it my entire ride here,” said traveler Bailey Longoni, who was flying back to New York. “I just can’t even imagine what the families are going through.”
Longoni, who admitted she often feels nervous about flying, said she took some comfort in seeing American Airlines staff continuing their routines as usual. “It made me feel like it’s just a flight that I’d be taking any other day,” she said.
Other passengers echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging the tragedy but remaining hopeful about flight safety.
“It was a terrible accident, and we’re hoping that we can just get back and be safe,” said Brian Shea, who was boarding a flight to New York. He noted that his mother had been anxiously checking in on him and his brother, ensuring they would return home safely.
Shea also speculated that flights may be even safer in the wake of the accident due to heightened awareness and increased focus on security and safety measures.
“Hoping it was an accident and that everyone’s going to be safe,” he said.
For some travelers, the incident was a tragic but rare occurrence that didn’t affect their confidence in flying.
“I mean, I guess I’m not too worried about it because it’s a one-off. Doesn’t happen very often, so I’m not really concerned,” said Cameron Nichols, who was traveling to Austin, Texas. “Wife’s probably more concerned than I am. But my thoughts go out to the families involved.”
As the nation mourns the victims of the crash, flight operations continue to return to normal, with travelers adjusting and moving forward while keeping those lost in their thoughts.