Are flights canceled at Louisville airport after UPS plane crash? Here’s the latest flight status of SDF

UPS plane crash update: A UPS cargo plane, Flight 2976, crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, November 4, prompting a massive emergency response. The MD-11 aircraft, carrying three crewmembers, went down near Fern Valley Road and Grade Lane, with fire and debris reported at the scene. Authorities have issued a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents while the FAA and NTSB investigate the cause of the crash.

Also Read: UPS plane crash: UPS confirms three crew onboard as cargo plane crashes near Louisville Airport; everything we know so far

Is Louisville airport (SDF) operating flights after UPS plane crash?

The Louisville airport, officially known as Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF), has temporarily suspended all arriving and departing flights following a cargo plane crash on Tuesday evening, November 4.

In a post on X, the airport stated, "At this time, all arriving and departing flights at SDF are temporarily suspended and the airfield is closed. Passengers should closely monitor their flight status via their airline’s website or mobile app. All additional updates will be shared to this official account as available."

Louisville mayor reacts on Louisville plane crash

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg called the incident an “incredible tragedy that our community will never forget.” He thanked first responders, saying, “We are so thankful for our brave first responders who have flooded the scene to help try and control the fire and provide support for any victims on the ground.”

Louisville plane crash: What happened

UPS confirmed that one of its cargo planes, an MD-11, crashed shortly after takeoff carrying three crewmembers.

"At approximately 5:20 PM ET tonight, UPS Flight 2976 from Louisville, KY, to Honolulu, an MD-11 with three crewmembers onboard, was involved in an accident in Louisville. At this time, we have not confirmed any injuries or casualties," the company said in a statement.
"UPS will release more facts as they become available, but the National Transportation Safety Board is in charge of the investigation and will be the primary source of information about the official investigation."

The FAA also confirmed: "UPS Flight 2976 crashed around 5:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Nov. 4, after departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was headed to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu."

Where the UPS crash Occurred

Local reports indicate that emergency crews responded to multiple calls of an explosion near Fern Valley Road and Grade Lane, close to the airport. Louisville Metro Police confirmed an active scene with visible fire and debris scattered across the area.

Spokesperson Matt Sanders said the incident “involved a plane crash with injuries and more than 20 calls for service.”

Shelter-in-place ordered after Louisville plane crash

Authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for residents within a five-mile radius of the airport around 5:30 p.m., which has since been extended. The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) posted, X: "All areas north of the airport to the Ohio River are now a part of the shelter-in-place. Please remain away from the area."