Logan's new runway won't open tomorrow

Logan International Airport officials said today they don't expect, as earlier planned, to open the new sixth runway at the airport tomorrow, because wind conditions won't be favorable.

The Massachusetts Port Authority, which runs Logan, and Federal Aviation Administration said last week they expected to inaugurate the new Runway 14/32 on Thanksgiving morning.

The 5,000-foot runway, which faced 30 years' worth of opposition from residents of communities including East Boston, Hull, and Winthrop who fear it will increase airplane noise, can operate only when winds are blowing from the northwest or southeast at over 10 knots, and only for planes taking off over Boston Harbor or landing over the harbor.

Because winds are forecast to be coming from the northeast tomorrow, the runway will not be used, Logan spokesman Phil Orlandella said. It's possible 14/32 could go into operation Friday, Orlandella added.

The runway will be used mainly by small propeller planes and smaller jets such as 70- and 50-seat "regional jets" operated by carriers such as American Eagle, Delta Connection, and US Airways Express. The runway's name reflects its compass headings, minus the last zero, for pilots landing towards the northwest or taking off to the southeast.

(By Peter J. Howe, Globe staff)