Deadly D.C. plane crash prompts cancellations in Portland, Bangor

File photo / Jim Neuger American Airlines flights between the Portland International Jetport and Reagan Washington National Airport were cancelled Thursday following a deadly crash in Washington.

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By Renee Cordes

Wednesday's deadly crash of an American Airlines plane in Washington, D.C., is causing disruptions at Maine's two major airports and across the country's airspace expected to last all day.

"At this time all American DCA flights are canceled," Paul Bradbury, airport director at the Portland International Jetport, told Mainebiz.

"Other American flights out of PWM have been operating, but this will have impacts throughout the air transportation system today," he noted.

"We are experiencing the same at BGR," said Aimee Thibodeau, the airport's marking and business development manager. She said travelers are urged to contact their airline for specific information regarding their travel plans.

An American Airlines regional jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided with an Army helicopter in midair near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport late Wednesday, plunging into the Potomac River.

A massive recovery effort remains underway in the nation's capital, where crews found no survivors and have recovered at least 30 bodies.

The flight, from Wichita, Kan., was carrying a number of figure skaters along with their coaches and family members returning home from a training camp.

While flights at Reagan airport were halted on Thursday morning, terminals are open, according to the airport's website.