Mexico City International Airport has reopened after shutting down due to a 7.1-magnitude earthquake
The facility remained closed as crews evaluated whether its terminals and runways were safe for operation, airport authorities announced via Twitter. The airport announced that it had reopened for business at 4:00 pm local time.
However, airport authorities are advising travelers to contact their airlines for details on how the shutdown will affect their reservations.
As a result of the quake, the normally crowded airspace over the Mexican capital was virtually deserted. Commercial air travel came to a halt and the only things flying in the area were either military or private aircraft.
The 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck on the 32nd anniversary of an 8.1-magnitude quake that killed as many as 40,000 people in and around Mexico City.
Today's earthquake has so far caused 42 deaths, though the aftermath - including collapsed buildings and significant property damage - is still being assessed.
MEX is the second busiest airport in Latin America and is home to AeroMexico as well as low-cost carriers Interjet and Volaris.
Images and video posted on social media show a large crack outside of Terminal 2.
ALERT Mexico City airport has suspended operations until infrastructure is completely inspected https://t.co/EA6JY6U63J pic.twitter.com/gb7KFUsIGr
- AIRLIVE (@airlivenet) September 19, 2017
#sismo
Mexico City Airport Terminal 2 Damaged By Massive 7.1 #Earthquake.
Flights On Hold.#PrayForMexicopic.twitter.com/GpWXaHiabP
- Blame Causation (@AmericaFirst_Xx) September 19, 2017
Mexico City Airport closed due to an earthquake. pic.twitter.com/n7l7nFPhMh
- Ed Oomes (@Rizoomes) September 19, 2017
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