Jazmin Li
Hurricane Dorian caused the cancellation of thousands of flights and the closure of several airports in Florida and the Bahamas. Orlando International Airport (MCO) initially planned to close but later decided to remain open, while two other airports in the region, Orlando Melbourne Airport (MLB) and Daytona Beach Airport (DAB), did shut down. The storm's shifting path and the danger of high-speed winds influenced airport operations and caused significant travel disruptions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Orlando Airport Closing for Dorian | Orlando International Airport initially planned to close but lifted the planned closure and continued operations on Monday, September 2, 2019 |
| Closures of Other Airports in Florida | Six Florida airports closed due to Hurricane Dorian, including Daytona Beach Airport (DAB) and Orlando Melbourne Airport (MLB) |
| Impact on Flights | Thousands of flights were canceled, including eight flights to/from Puerto Rico. Lengthy delays and cancellations were expected for flights in/out of Orlando |
| Safety Concerns | Threat of tropical-force winds up to 45 mph, which made it dangerous for the airport to operate safely, including people mover systems |
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What You'll Learn
Orlando International Airport closed commercial operations during Hurricane Dorian
Orlando International Airport (MCO) ceased commercial operations at 2 a.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2019, during Hurricane Dorian. The airport had initially planned to close on Monday, September 2, but lifted this closure and continued operations on that day. However, as the storm progressed, the airport authorities decided to halt commercial operations to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. The threat of tropical-force winds of up to 45 mph made it dangerous for the airport to operate safely, including the people mover systems.
The closure of Orlando International Airport caused significant disruptions to travel plans, with many passengers experiencing cancellations and delays. Eight flights to and from Puerto Rico were canceled on Wednesday due to the storm, leaving some travelers stranded at the airport for hours as they waited for the weather to improve and the San Juan airport to resume operations.
Hurricane Dorian's impact on Florida's airports extended beyond Orlando. Two other south Florida airports, Orlando Melbourne Airport (MLB) and Daytona Beach Airport (DAB), also announced closures. Orlando Melbourne Airport delayed its closure until 6 p.m. on Monday, September 2, while Daytona Beach Airport closed after the last departure on Sunday night.
Across the state, thousands of flights were canceled due to the hurricane. On Wednesday alone, there were over 980 cancellations, and FlightAware's cancellation tracker showed more than 200 canceled flights for Sunday, mostly affecting travel to and from Orlando. Several airlines took steps to assist passengers, including capping fares for flights out of Florida and offering flexible rebooking options for those affected by the storm.
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Eight flights to and from Puerto Rico were cancelled
Hurricane Dorian wreaked havoc on the travel plans of many in 2019. While the storm charged over Puerto Rico, it also headed towards Florida, resulting in the cancellation of eight flights to and from the island from Orlando International Airport. The airport itself did not close down, but the storm's impact was felt by those hoping to travel to and from Puerto Rico.
Many passengers were left disappointed and frustrated, including Sophia Ortiz and her family, who were travelling from Philadelphia to San Juan, with a layover in Orlando. They were hoping to reach their family in Puerto Rico before the storm hit but were left stranded at the airport.
The storm caused a two-fold problem for travellers. Many residents were trying to return to their homes in Puerto Rico, while numerous tourists were attempting to get to Orlando for the Labor Day holiday. This resulted in a challenging situation for those affected, with people waiting for hours at the airport for the weather to clear and the airport in San Juan to become operational again.
The impact of Hurricane Dorian resulted in a significant number of flight cancellations across the region. Orlando International Airport officials made the decision to cease commercial operations due to the threat of tropical-force winds, which made it dangerous to continue running the airport. This decision was made in consultation with the National Weather Service as the storm's path shifted northward.
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Tourists in Orlando were forced to alter their plans
Hurricane Dorian caused major disruptions for travellers, with many tourists in Orlando forced to alter their plans. Orlando International Airport officials cancelled eight flights to and from Puerto Rico on Wednesday, leaving many passengers stranded. Sophia Ortiz, travelling with her two children and small dog, was one of those affected. She expressed her disappointment, as she and her family had hoped to be in Puerto Rico with relatives before the storm hit. Instead, they were stuck at the airport, waiting for hours for the weather to clear and the airport in San Juan to reopen.
Alan Burton, visiting from England with his family, decided to wait out the storm in a hotel room. With Dorian still days away from potentially reaching Central Florida, travellers faced a two-fold problem. Many people were attempting to return home to Puerto Rico, while numerous tourists were heading to Orlando for the Labor Day holiday. This led to significant congestion and delays at the airport.
In anticipation of Hurricane Dorian, several airports in Florida and the Bahamas closed down. Six Florida airports and four Bahamian airports ceased operations, with more expected to follow suit as the storm progressed. Orlando International Airport initially planned to close but later lifted this decision, opting to continue operations on Monday, September 2. However, commercial operations were ceased at 2 a.m. on Tuesday due to the threat of tropical-force winds, which made it unsafe to operate the people mover systems.
The storm's impact extended beyond Orlando, with thousands of flight cancellations across the Southeast coast. Airports in Charleston, Wilmington, Daytona Beach, and Hilton Head closed temporarily, while others experienced numerous cancellations. Despite the challenges, some airlines stepped up to assist evacuees, capping fares for flights out of Florida and providing additional capacity over the weekend.
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Two other South Florida airports closed
Hurricane Dorian caused massive disruption to travel in 2019, with thousands of flights cancelled. Six Florida airports and four Bahama airports closed due to the hurricane, with more expected to close as the storm passed.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) initially planned to close but later decided to remain open during the storm. The airport did, however, cancel eight flights to and from Puerto Rico. Orlando Melbourne Airport (MLB) closed at 6 pm on Monday, September 2, and Daytona Beach Airport (DAB) closed after the last departure on Sunday night.
Daytona Beach Airport (DAB) also closed during Hurricane Dorian, but at 6 pm on Wednesday, with plans to reopen on Friday. Wilmington (ILM) closed at 9 pm on Wednesday, also with plans to reopen on Friday. Charleston (CHS) and Hilton Head (HXD) airports also ceased operations on Wednesday, with American Airlines expecting to resume services on Friday morning.
Anyone travelling to South Florida during the storm was warned to expect lengthy flight delays.
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Thousands of flights were cancelled
Hurricane Dorian caused massive disruption to flights across the Southeast coast of the US, with thousands of cancellations. Six Florida airports and four Bahama airports closed, with more expected to follow. The storm's path saw commercial passenger airports cease operation, with some announcing plans to close temporarily.
Charleston (CHS) closed on Wednesday at 3 pm, planning to reopen on Friday. Wilmington (ILM) also closed on Wednesday at 9 pm, with a scheduled reopening on Friday. Daytona Beach (DAB) closed at 6 pm on Monday, with no reopening date announced. American Airlines, however, expected to resume services on Friday morning. Hilton Head (HXD) closed at 4 pm on Wednesday, with American Airlines again planning to resume flights on Friday morning.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) initially planned to close but lifted this decision and continued operations on Monday, September 2. The airport did cease commercial operations at 2 am on Tuesday, with officials citing the danger posed by tropical-force winds of up to 45 mph. Eight flights to and from Puerto Rico were cancelled on Wednesday due to the storm, causing disappointment for travellers hoping to be with family before the storm hit.
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Frequently asked questions
Orlando International Airport officials initially planned to close the airport due to the threat of tropical force winds up to 45 mph, but later decided to continue operations. However, eight flights to and from Puerto Rico were cancelled on Wednesday due to the storm.
Yes, six Florida airports and four Bahama airports closed down due to Hurricane Dorian. Some of the airports that closed include Charleston (CHS), Wilmington (ILM), and Daytona Beach (DAB).
Travellers experienced flight cancellations and delays, with thousands of flights cancelled and more expected as the storm progressed. Tourists in Orlando had to alter their plans, and some were stranded at the airport waiting for the weather to clear.
