Twenty-eight flights bound for Seattle were diverted to Portland International Airport. Other Seattle-bound flights landed in Salt Lake City and Boise. Kenitzer said it could be a few days until flights are back to normal. When the earthquake struck, airport ceiling panels fell along with light fixtures. Some suspended flight display monitors also crashed to the floor.
People dove under tables in coffee shops and snack bars.
He compared the chaos to the busy holiday season. A special area was designated for families. About 30 minutes after quake, airport customers were told to leave the building. They were allowed back inside about 90 minutes later. Keith Williamson of Bothell, Wash., was headed to St. Louis on business.