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Charlotte flights resume to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria

By Gina Esposito, wsoctv.com
By Gina Esposito, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C — American Airlines had just one flight depart Friday morning from Charlotte Douglas Airport to Puerto Rico with about 10 passengers.

It was the first flight to Puerto Rico since Hurricane Maria ravaged the island.

Before the flight boarded, Christina Hernandez was in tears.

She said she hadn't spoken with her family since the hurricane hit.

She said she couldn’t wait to get home, as she was bringing her family food and water.

"I want to hug people... I want to help my island," Hernandez said.

Hector Garcia also boarded that flight after he spoke with his father on a satellite radio.

Garcia’s goal was to travel two hours southwest of San Juan and bring his father back to North Carolina. He said friends warned that the journey may get emotional.

“The only thing he said to me was, ‘This is not the same place I grew up on…I need you need to be mentally prepared and make sure you have Kleenex," Garcia said.

As the passengers boarded, American Airlines crews packed the plane with cases of water and supplies for the hurricane victims.

Earlier this week, they delivered 466,000 pounds of supplies.

Most of those supplies were donated by American Airlines employees, who were allowed to ship with loosened weight and size restrictions.

Some of the cargo out of Raleigh included water purifying systems, which were donated from a company out of Boone called "Wine to Water.”

Garcia said anything and everything is needed right now.

"This isn't an adventure. This is just what I need to d, and just hope for the best," Garcia said.

While only 10 passengers were on the flight to San Juan, the flight back to Charlotte Friday night will be completely full.

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