Rare frost at RSW causes flight delays, no de-icing trucks available

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Southwest Florida isn't known for icy weather, but a recent cold snap at RSW Airport brought some unexpected challenges.

De-icing trucks, a rare sight at RSW, were needed due to frost on planes, causing several delays and cancellations. 

"The airlines all have very strict guidelines on when you need to de-ice an aircraft and it's imperative that you get any of the frozen precipitation or frost that builds up on an aircraft's control surface or the aircraft for it to fly away from the ground safely," said commercial pilot Bruce Peck.

Julie Scott and Sheila Kendryna, visiting from Chicago, believe RSW doesn't need to invest in de-icing equipment.

"I don't think the cost outweighs the benefits. You just don't have it enough. I mean, at O'Hare or Midway, where we both fly out of it's, it's needed all winter," they said.

The last time RSW needed de-icing trucks was 10 years ago.

Virginia Skok, waiting for a friend at the airport, commented on the unusual weather, saying, "You wouldn't think you're in South Florida, would you?"

Despite the chilly surprise, RSW isn't planning to add de-icing capabilities anytime soon.