A small private jet with eight people on board crashed at Bangor International Airport in Maine today. The airport closed its runway while fire and rescue teams worked the scene. We have confirmed the Federal Aviation Administration has acknowledged the crash. Officials have not released details on injuries. The cause is not yet known.
What we know now
Bangor International Airport reported an incident on its airfield and closed its runway to protect crews and travelers. The closure has already disrupted flights. Some arrivals are circling, diverting, or returning to their origin. Departures are on hold until the runway is cleared and inspected.
The aircraft involved is a private or business jet. There were eight people on board. The FAA has noted the crash, and the National Transportation Safety Board is expected to lead the investigation. Airport officials are coordinating with federal investigators and local emergency services.
Expect delays, diversions, and last minute gate changes at Bangor and across Maine today. Do not head to the airport without a confirmed flight status.
What remains unknown
Key facts are still developing. Authorities have not confirmed the aircraft type, the operator, or the condition of those on board. Weather, mechanical issues, and pilot reports have not been released. Investigators will collect data from the scene, review air traffic control recordings, and interview witnesses. That process takes time.
Avoid speculation. Updates on injuries and cause will come from officials after families are notified and evidence is reviewed.
Immediate impact on travelers
Bangor is a critical gateway for central and northern Maine. It serves business travelers, military traffic, and vacationers headed to the coast and the North Woods. A runway closure there has ripple effects. Aircraft inbound to BGR may divert to larger regional hubs, which strains ground transport and rental car supply.
If you are booked to or from Bangor today, check your airline app and email. Rebooking windows can open fast. Seats out of alternative airports may go quickly, especially for evening flights.
Nearby alternatives if you need to move now:
- Portland International Jetport, about a 2 hour drive to Bangor
- Boston Logan, about a 3.5 to 4 hour drive to Bangor
- Augusta State Airport, about a 1.5 hour drive to Bangor
- Hancock County Bar Harbor, about a 1 to 1.5 hour drive to Bangor
Road conditions matter in Maine in winter. Keep an eye on state highway alerts, especially after dark. Bus links are an option from Boston to Bangor, with multiple daily runs, though schedules can change.
Tips for rebooking and getting around
Airlines usually issue waivers after an airport closure. Use them to switch flights without fees when available. If your flight is diverted to another airport, ask the airline to cover ground transport or provide hotel options, then get that in writing.
- First, confirm your flight status before leaving home
- Second, switch to Portland or Boston if seats appear, then secure a car or bus
- Third, keep your boarding pass and receipts for any out of pocket costs
- Fourth, consider a one way car rental into Bangor once operations resume
If you booked through a third party, contact the airline directly in app or by chat. Agents can often move you faster than call centers.
Travel context in Bangor and across Maine
Bangor is the practical entry point for Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, and the Downeast coast. It is also the supply line for winter trips to ski areas, snowmobile trails, and the Moosehead Lake region. When Bangor pauses, weekend plans across Maine shift.
Many hotels sit within 10 minutes of the airport. Those properties fill fast during disruptions, especially with diverted crews. If you need a room, book early and be flexible on location. In a pinch, Portland has a larger inventory, plus rail and bus links to Boston for onward flights.
Rental car fleets in Bangor are not large in winter. If you see availability at Portland or Boston, lock it. Check for winter tires or all wheel drive when driving north. Carry water, snacks, and a phone charger. It is a simple step that pays off on long drives.
What happens next
The runway will reopen only after debris is cleared and inspectors sign off. That can be hours, and sometimes longer. The NTSB will begin its work once the site is secure, which includes documenting the aircraft, the field, and any marks on the runway. The FAA will support that process. We will continue to monitor and report when operations resume and when officials release verified information on those aboard.
For now, travelers should plan for rolling impacts through the evening. Aircraft and crews need to reposition, and that can push delays into tomorrow morning.
We are in contact with airport and airline representatives and will update as we learn more. For Maine travelers, patience and planning will go a long way today. Keep your options open, keep your receipts, and keep safe as teams do the work needed to reopen this vital airport.
