Air quality alerts still in place as smoke hangs over Philadelphia region | Live updates

A code red air quality alert hung over the Jersey Shore on Thursday, shrouding views and leaving some visitors feeling the effects, even as conditions gradually improved throughout the day.

From the beach in Sea Isle City, the normally visible Atlantic City skyline disappeared behind the haze. Some beachgoers said they noticed the air quality as soon as they stepped outside.

"We went outside this morning and had breakfast at Sunset Pier, and I feel like halfway through our pancakes I'm like, I can start to feel it in my throat," said Erin Sakelaridos of Lehigh Valley.

Despite smoky skies, Jersey Shore visitors make the most of their beach days

Despite the smoky shoreline, many visitors said they weren't willing to give up their limited summer beach days.

"It didn't stop us from coming down; we'd rather be here than not," said Bryan Dienna of Langhorne.

"We've been here every single day and loving every minute," said Kate Artingstall of Lewes.

While the air quality problems at the shore haven't been as severe as in Philadelphia, the conditions have been noticeable.

"We did get to see a sunset on Tuesday, and then the past couple of days it's been gradually getting hazier and hazier," she said.

Even younger visitors were aware of the cause.

"It looks like a little hazy, but I don't smell the fire," said 6-year-old Cameron Fantini of Levittown. When asked if he knew where the haze came from, he replied, "It's from the fire in Canada!"

For the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol, Chief Renny Steele said it was business as usual, though some athletes noticed the difference during their training.

"Some of our athletes this morning, especially our runners training doing like a 10-mile run or whatever, they said they did notice the air quality wasn't what it normally is along the coast here. They're not concerned, but they did notice a difference," he said.

Others opted to stay indoors, heading to arcades and movie theaters instead of the sand.

Ryan Kiska, who owns the Boardwalk Casino arcade on the Sea Isle promenade, said some customers arrived from Philadelphia seeking clearer air.

"I've had some customers coming in from the Philly area just because they're seeking refuge from apparently the smoke is pretty thick there," he said.

Sakelaridos said her group has been adjusting their plans.

"So it's been a little bit disappointing that we had like three less beach days than we were hoping to, but we're trying to make the best of it by doing some indoor things like going to the arcade. We went to see Moana yesterday," she said.

As haze continues to drift along the coast, visitors and businesses are finding ways to adapt, determined to make the most of their time at the shore.

Philadelphia International Airport has experienced more than 200 flight delays so far on Friday as hazy conditions prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to limit the number of aircraft arriving at the airport.

The FAA implemented a ground delay program to control how many flights land at once in the reduced-visibility conditions. As a result, the average arriving flight is being delayed by 67 minutes from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.

"Whereas a ground stop halts all traffic, the ground delay will still allow flights to get in; it will just space it out a little bit more," said Heather Redfern, public affairs manager for Philadelphia International Airport.

Hazy conditions cause more than 200 delays at Philadelphia International Airport

Travelers departing and arriving at the airport reported concerns about both flight schedules and air quality as smoke lingered over the region.

Michael Lem, who was traveling through Philadelphia from Houston, said he was relieved to be indoors while monitoring potential delays.

"You're worried about your air quality and breathing all that stuff in, so not so excited about it," Lem said.

The delay program follows similar FAA measures Thursday, when Philadelphia International Airport recorded 365 delays and 12 cancellations. Airport officials said pilots reported low visibility and ash on their windshields.

A Code Purple air quality alert was issued in Philadelphia because of wildfire smoke from Canada that has lingered over the region. Public health officials urged people to remain indoors when possible.

Redfern said delays affecting arriving flights could also impact departures.

"There could be a ripple effect for departing flights from PHL as is always the case when there's weather or some sort of delay," she said.

Some travelers said they planned ahead for possible disruptions.

"Fingers crossed," said Latasha Lambert of Baltimore.

Lambert said she built extra time into her travel plans.

"The good thing is, we're a day early for our flight so if it is delayed then if it is delayed it won't cause us to miss our cruise," she said.

Other passengers said safety concerns outweighed frustration over longer waits.

"It's really bad in Michigan. People are wiping ash off of their vehicles. I saw a lot of emergency room visits and things like that, so I'm going to take it seriously," said Sara, a traveler from Flint, Michigan.

The ground delay program was scheduled to remain in effect until 11 p.m. at Philadelphia International Airport.

Airport officials recommended that travelers check with their airlines for the latest flight information before traveling.

Philadelphia has downgraded from a Code Purple to Code Red Air Quality Alert, officials said during a new conference Friday afternoon.

However, officials said that this does not mean it's time to put your guard down, adding that the city could be upgraded back to a Code Purple later Friday night.

Philadelphia city officials hold update on air quality

Under a Code Purple, officials say residents should not spend more than 90 minutes outside and should wear an N95 or KN95 mask to protect themselves. They add that these are also good recommendations while under a Code Red.

Visit Phila.gov for the latest on air quality conditions in the city.