HONOLULU (KHON2) — If you’re seeing an increase in military aircraft flying near Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) it’s because the Hawaiian Air National Guard is conducting its Sentry Aloha fighter exercise.
On Thursday, Jan. 25, the Department of Transportation announced the fighter exercise could potentially disrupt flights through the end of January.
HIANG began conducting its exercise on Wednesday, Jan. 16, and due to the increase in military aircraft activity, the Federal Aviation Administration may implement ground stops at Hawaii airports: HNL, Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keahole (KOA), Kahului Airport (OGG), and potentially Lihuʻe Airport (LIH).
Sentry Aloha allows HIANG to exercise realistic combat training for the Air National Guard, U.S. Air Force and other Department of Defense services.
The training is not only conducted by those based here in Hawaii, but other participants include units from California this year.
The visiting aircraft will participate in simulated combat exercises with the 199th and 19th Fighter Squadrons’ Hickam-based ‘Hawaiian Raptors.’