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Harlingen Today
By the People, for the People
ICE Detainees Stranded on Tarmac for Over 12 Hours During Blizzard
Flight landed at New Hampshire airport with little advance notice during major winter storm.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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A deportation flight carrying ICE detainees was stranded on the tarmac at Portsmouth International Airport in New Hampshire for over 12 hours after landing during a massive blizzard. The Boeing 767 touched down around 1 a.m. on Monday, but gusting winds kept the plane from being towed to the terminal until around 2:45 p.m., trapping those onboard as the storm raged outside.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the challenges faced by immigration authorities and airports during extreme weather events, as well as the potential risks and hardships experienced by detainees during prolonged tarmac delays.
The details
Officials at the airport said they had only about 15 minutes' notice before the flight arrived, and they would have advised against landing during the blizzard if they had more advance warning. The flight was operated by Omni Air International and was headed to Sofia, Bulgaria on Tuesday morning.
- The Boeing 767 touched down at Portsmouth International Airport around 1 a.m. on Monday.
- The plane was not able to be towed to the terminal until around 2:45 p.m. on Monday.
The players
Portsmouth International Airport at Pease
An airport in New Hampshire that has hosted numerous major political figures, including President Joe Biden in 2022.
Omni Air International
The airline operating the deportation flight that was stranded on the tarmac.
Department of Homeland Security
The agency that made the decision to land the flight during the blizzard, according to the airport's service provider.
What’s next
The Omni Air International flight is scheduled to depart for Sofia, Bulgaria on Tuesday morning.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the need for better coordination and communication between immigration authorities, airports, and service providers to ensure the safety and well-being of detainees during extreme weather events.
