MOSES LAKE — Delta Airlines has started parking some of its airplanes at Grant County International Airport.

According to Airport Director Rich Mueller, several airlines — including at least one international air carrier — are looking to store aircraft here as airlines cancel flights and temporarily mothball aircraft as the government response to COVID-19 outbreak discourages travel. Mueller said the Port of Moses Lake, which runs the airport, is looking at leasing parking spaces on the east and west sides of the ramp — the large parking area behind the main terminal — to existing tenants, who would then sublet parking space to airlines.

However, Mueller added there isn’t a lot of room right now to park more airplanes. The little tarmac that is available is also not in very good condition, Mueller said.

GCIA is currently host to more than 250 Boeing 737 Max aircraft for repair work. On Monday, the company announced it was suspending aircraft production in the Puget Sound region in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

As of mid-morning on Monday, 11 Delta planes were parked outside the hangar leased by Greenpoint Technologies, which creates customized 777 and 787 interiors and airplane configurations for governments, businesses and heads of state.

— Charles H. Featherstone