Passengers exit the gate area of Terminal 3 at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in Hebron after being asked to leave on Tuesday. (Tony Jones photo) | ZOOM |

        HEBRON — More than 1,200 travelers were stranded in the Tristate on Tuesday night because of the unprecedented cancellation of all commercial air traffic nationwide.

        The action, taken by the Federal Aviation Administration at 9:25 a.m. — soon after it became apparent that Tuesday's crashes were caused by hijacked planes — was tentatively scheduled to be lifted today at noon.

        Almost all of those trapped at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport — Delta Air Lines' second-largest hub — were able to find accommodations at area hotels, although they had to pay for it themselves.

        Delta did reimburse passengers who were unaccompanied minors, elderly or could show some other need. Local Delta officials said they contacted hotels as far away as Sharonville and even farther north to find rooms.

An American Airlines 757 taxis after landing at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport on Tuesday. (Craig Ruttle photo) | ZOOM |

        But Joan Clifton, 70, of San Antonio, and Mary Smith, 59, of Menasha, Wis., were planning to spend the night in Terminal 3.

        “As odd as it sounds, this is the safest place I could be,” said Ms. Smith, who had been heading to San Antonio to visit her grandchildren.

        Said Ms. Clifton, a native of New York City: “Mary and I didn't know each other before today, but we're going to sit here and pray together. It's all you can do — that or cry.”

        Airport officials said that 124 planes were grounded by the FAA's action, called a “ground stop,” which had never been done before on a nationwide basis. In addition, about a dozen flights en route to destinations other than Cincinnati were diverted here — the nation's 16th-busiest airport — because of the order.

        That included a Delta flight from Boston to Austin, Texas, which stranded Natasha Neal, who was going to visit her bedridden boyfriend.

Pilots and airport personnel watch TV coverage of the disasters from the ExecutiveJet lobby at Lunken Airport on Cincinnati's east side Tuesday. (Michael Snyder photo) | ZOOM |

        Delta officials said they would make every effort to accommodate passengers if and when operations are allowed to resume. But when that happens, the nation's air system, stressed on normal days, could be pushed beyond its limits.

        Mike Poling, his wife and his 9-month-old daughter from Anderson Township were booked on a plane to Charleston, S.C., that was next in line for departure when the flight was called back.

        “Our pilot actually came over the intercom to tell us what happened with the terrorism,” Mr. Poling said. “We're either going to drive or reschedule for several months out. Would you try to get on a plane tomorrow?”

        Meanwhile, many sought out other means of transportation. But with area rental car agencies selling out within an hour and train and bus options limited, many resigned themselves to a stay in the area.

Delta Airlines employee Michael Dane talks with passengers in the baggage claim area at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport. (Tony Jones photo) | ZOOM |

        Greyhound buses did not run for part of Tuesday. And when service resumed Tuesday night, no buses were going east of Pittsburgh. Amtrak's one train, Cardinal, was due to arrive here en route to Washington this morning.

Rental car shortage

        Early Tuesday, the lines for reservation phones for local hotels was up to six-people deep. The crush on hotels was made worse by the lack of rental cars.

        “There are no cars, and we were looking to drive home,” said Harry Tidd, who was trying to return to Port Jervis, N.Y., about 75 miles north of New York City.

        “I've never seen anything like it,” said Kathy Muska, manager of the Airport Thrifty Car Rental office. “We rented 60 cars and were out of cars by noon. There isn't a rental car anywhere in Greater Cincinnati.”

        Enquirer reporter Michael D. Clark contributed.
       

Blood donors flood center
Text of President Bush's speech
Can it happen here?
City scenes of carnage and kindness
Clergy: Resist urge for vengeance
Could it ever happen here?
Facts about recent attacks
Famed towers became symbols of inhumanity
Fire led to collapse
Grief, fear take hold as calamity unfolds
Hebrew Union only local college to close
Local lawmakers add voices to chorus
Millions look to Internet for latest news
'Most horrific ... ever'
News can traumatize children
PULFER: Time to show our mettle
Pupils watch history unfold
RADEL: Attacks hit our hearts
Residents cautious after attacks
1,200 stuck at airport
Terrorists' hijackings explode myth that U.S. airports are secure
TV burned images into our collective conscience
Worried motorists make run on gas
Fuller beats Luken in primary
Voter turnout low following attacks
Byrd's execution delayed til Oct. 8
Carthage man pleads not guilty in wife's slaying death
Competency ruling delayed in Bryant case
CPS considers evening out money among its schools
Firefighter settles harassment suit
Reigniting the Comet spirit
UC hopes new logo serves as brand aid
Witness: Landfill costly to develop into home lots