Orlando Airport: Temporary Closure For Milton Event

As Hurricane Milton approached Florida, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) announced that Orlando International Airport (MCO) would halt commercial operations from 8 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, while the Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) would cease operations from 10 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8. The airports remained open to accommodate emergency, aid, and relief flights, but they were not designated as shelters for residents during the storm.

Orlando International Airport to cease commercial operations at 8 am on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) has announced that Orlando International Airport (MCO) will cease commercial passenger operations at 8 am on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, as Hurricane Milton approaches Florida. Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) will also be affected, ceasing operations at 10 pm on Tuesday, October 8th.

In a social media post, the airport stated:

> "Our airport will cease commercial operations on Wednesday morning, in advance of Hurricane Milton. This move was made in coordination with our partners. We will resume commercial operations as soon as it is safe."

The airport will remain open to accept emergency, aid, and relief flights as required, but it is not an authorized shelter and cannot accommodate local residents during the hurricane.

Passengers with questions about their travel plans are advised to check with their airlines directly for the latest information and updates.

Hurricane Milton

Milton is expected to make landfall on Wednesday night or Thursday morning in the Tampa Bay area. It was briefly upgraded to a Category 5 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 160-180 mph, but it has since been downgraded to a Category 4 hurricane. Forecasters still consider it an "extremely serious threat to Florida," and it is expected to make landfall as a Category 3 hurricane.

Airport Preparations

In preparation for the hurricane, the airport is sandbagging doors and tying down all boarding bridges. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be at Level 2, with Level 1 activation at 7 am on Wednesday. Essential personnel, known as "ride-out crews," will remain on-site during the hurricane to protect airport facilities, manage emergency responses, and support operational recovery.

Orlando Executive Airport to close at 10 pm on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024

As Hurricane Milton barrels towards Central Florida, Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) is set to close at 10 pm on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) has announced that the airport will cease commercial passenger operations at this time, in preparation for the incoming hurricane. While commercial operations will be halted, the airport will not be entirely closed—it will remain open to accommodate emergency, aid, and relief flights as required.

The decision to cease commercial operations has been made with the safety and security of the travelling public in mind. By stopping commercial flights, the airport, in collaboration with federal and airline partners, can prevent aircraft from operating under unsafe weather conditions. Hurricane Milton is expected to bring high-intensity winds and a massive storm surge, with the potential to cause severe damage and disruption.

In the lead-up to the hurricane, crews at Orlando Executive Airport are increasing their storm preparation activities, which include sandbagging doors and tying down all boarding bridges. The airport will continue to monitor the hurricane's path and provide updates as the situation evolves. Passengers are advised to stay in touch with their airlines for the latest information on flight operations.

Orlando Executive Airport is conveniently located just a few miles from downtown Orlando and provides vital general aviation access to the heart of the region. While the airport is closing as a precautionary measure, it is built to withstand severe weather. Orlando International Airport (MCO), a larger airport in the region, will also cease commercial operations at 8 am on Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, due to the hurricane.

Orlando International Airport will remain open for emergency/aid and relief flights

Orlando International Airport (MCO) will remain open for emergency/aid and relief flights as Hurricane Milton hits Florida. While the airport will be closed for commercial operations, it will not be fully closed and will remain accessible for emergency services.

The decision to cease commercial operations was made by the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) in coordination with their partners. This move was made to prioritize the safety and security of the traveling public, preventing aircraft from operating under unsafe weather conditions.

Hurricane Milton is expected to bring intense winds and a massive storm surge to Florida's Gulf Coast, causing potential destruction to areas already reeling from previous hurricanes. As such, it is vital that the airport remains open for emergency services to provide aid and relief to those affected by the hurricane.

MCO is not an authorized shelter and cannot accommodate local residents during severe weather events. The airport has advised passengers to check with their airlines for flight updates and to make alternative arrangements if necessary.

The airport will resume commercial operations as soon as possible, based on a damage assessment conducted after the hurricane.

MCO is not an authorised shelter and cannot accommodate residents during the storm

As Hurricane Milton barrels towards Central Florida, Orlando International Airport (MCO) will cease commercial passenger operations at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. While the airport will remain open for emergency/aid and relief flights, it is important to note that MCO is not an authorised shelter. The airport cannot accommodate local residents during severe weather events like Hurricane Milton.

MCO is not designated as a shelter, so passengers and local residents are encouraged to have backup lodging plans and relocate to secure shelter locations outside of the airport. For those seeking shelter, information on emergency shelter sites and evacuation details can be found on the Orange County emergency management resources website.

The decision to cease commercial operations at MCO was made to prioritise the safety and security of the travelling public. By stopping commercial flights, the airport, in collaboration with federal and airline partners, can prevent aircraft from operating under unsafe weather conditions for landings and takeoffs. This proactive measure ensures that passengers are not put at risk during the hurricane.

It is crucial for passengers with travel plans involving MCO to check with their airlines directly for the latest information and updates. Commercial operations at MCO will resume as soon as possible, based on damage assessments conducted after the hurricane. Passengers are advised to refer to the airlines' official websites or social media platforms for real-time updates on their flight plans.

Commercial operations will resume as soon as possible, based on damage assessment

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) has announced that commercial operations will resume as soon as possible at Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) following the cessation of commercial operations ahead of Hurricane Milton. The decision to resume operations will be based on damage assessments conducted after the hurricane.

Hurricane Milton, initially a Category 5 hurricane, posed a significant threat to Florida, with maximum sustained winds of up to 180 mph. In anticipation of the hurricane's impact, the GOAA took proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of travelers. Commercial passenger operations were halted at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, October 9, at MCO, and 10 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, at ORL.

During the suspension of commercial operations, the airports remained open to accommodate emergency, aid, and relief flights. However, it is important to note that MCO is not an authorized shelter and cannot accommodate local residents during severe weather events. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for updates regarding their travel plans.

As Hurricane Milton passed through, the GOAA closely monitored the situation, assessing any damage inflicted on airport facilities. This comprehensive damage assessment is crucial for determining when it is safe to resume normal operations. Once the assessment is completed, and immediate safety issues are addressed, airlines will be permitted to resume limited operations, gradually transitioning back to a standard flight schedule.

The resumption of commercial operations is a carefully planned process. The GOAA prioritizes the safety and well-being of travelers, staff, and the wider community. By conducting thorough damage assessments and working in collaboration with federal and airline partners, the GOAA ensures that operations can resume as swiftly and securely as possible, allowing Orlando's airports to return to their role as vital transportation hubs for the region.

Frequently asked questions