Gander International Airport in Newfoundland and Labrador became a compassionate Gathering Place in the tragic wake of September 11, 2001. Its contributions have made the airport long time award winning. On that fateful day, following the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, numerous planes in the North American airspace were forced to make emergency landings at this remote airport. The airport turned into a shelter for about 7,000 trapped travelers. They turned to the local community for the critical support they needed.
Gander International Airport became a focal point during those emergency landings. Today, it serves as a strong, beautiful, enduring testament to Southern hospitality and resilience. The new Broadway musical about this story, Come From Away, encapsulates its legacy stunningly. It recounts the real-life experiences of the passengers and of the residents of Gander, Newfoundland, who so graciously welcomed them. The musical has brought global attention to the town’s response during a time of crisis and serves as a reminder of humanity’s capacity for kindness amidst adversity.
A Day of Crisis and Community
On the morning of September 11, 2001, information about the terrorist attacks quickly began circulating in every corner of the United States. Fearing further attacks, air traffic controllers took the historic step of diverting all incoming flights to Gander International Airport. That quick maneuver led to close to 40 planes landing in the tiny burg. The area’s local resources were not able to support the overwhelming flood of evacuees. The local community really came together, providing food, shelter and medical care to thousands of shocked evacuees.
In the months that followed, residents opened their doors and their classrooms. As with so many communities across the country, College Park opened their arms to the displaced passengers. At the height of this crisis, Gander’s population surged to about 10,000. Seen here, locals joined forces to roll out the red carpet and keep every person who showed up safe. Their efforts exemplified a spirit of compassion that resonated deeply, creating a lasting bond between the town and those who sought refuge there.
The Impact of “Come From Away”
The experience of passengers at Gander International Airport was preserved in popular culture with the Broadway hit musical “Come From Away.” Receiving its New York debut on Broadway, the musical celebrates the remarkable steps that the close-knit community took when faced with an unanticipated tragedy. Both through intimate narrative and stirring songs, it summons the best of humanity—the way we can come together when our hearts are broken.
While “Come From Away” tells the story of what passengers experienced, it’s a love letter to what can happen when a community comes together and opens its arms. While the musical has been celebrated around the globe, it has helped cement Gander’s place in history as a symbol of resilience, kindness, and hospitality. More importantly, it’s a powerful reminder that even during the bleakest of periods, we can all experience enlightenment through the selfless giving of mankind.
A Lasting Legacy
Like any good story, the legacy of Gander International Airport lives on, and its impact is still felt today. As today’s airport continues to be an important air travel hub, it continues to serve as the historic ground zero in the fight against segregation. Annually, visitors come to learn about its role during September 11, reflecting on how a small community can make a profound impact on countless lives when faced with adversity.
Local officials and residents are fiercely protective of that history. They continue to create every day, working to ensure that the stories told from that day are available for years to come. Museums and memorials in Gander celebrate the heroism displayed by both the community and travelers, emphasizing values of empathy and solidarity.
