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Sarasota Bradenton International Airport has closed several times due to hurricanes. In 2023, the airport closed temporarily due to Hurricane Idalia, with flights suspended and the terminal locked at 7 pm. The airport also shut down in October 2024, suspending flights ahead of Hurricane Milton, which caused severe damage to the airport's roof and private aircraft hangars. Repairs began soon after, with the airport CEO aiming to resume flights by Saturday afternoon, but full reopening may take longer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hurricane Name | Idalia, Milton |
| Airport Status | Closed |
| Reason | Roof damage, water damage, debris |
| Repairs | Ongoing |
| Reopening Date | Saturday afternoon (not guaranteed) |
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What You'll Learn
- Sarasota Bradenton International Airport closed due to Hurricane Milton
- Repairs to the roof and concourse were required before reopening
- The airport suspended flights ahead of the hurricane on October 8
- Hurricane Idalia caused the airport to close for a day in August 2023
- The terminal was locked and secured at 7 pm on Tuesday, August 29
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport closed due to Hurricane Milton
The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport was closed due to Hurricane Milton, which caused severe damage to the airport and the surrounding areas. The hurricane made landfall on the west coast of Florida, with the eye of the storm passing directly over the airport. The airport suspended all flights and travel ahead of the hurricane on October 8, 2024, at 4 pm.
Hurricane Milton was an extremely powerful and destructive tropical cyclone, becoming the most intense Atlantic hurricane ever recorded over the Gulf of Mexico in 2024. It had maximum sustained winds of 180 mph (285 km/h) and a minimum central pressure of 895 mbar (26.43 inHg), making it the fourth-most intense Atlantic hurricane on record. The hurricane caused widespread flooding in Florida and spawned a deadly tornado outbreak, resulting in at least 45 fatalities: 42 in the United States and 3 in Mexico. The damage estimates from the storm are estimated at US$34.3 billion.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport suffered significant damage from Hurricane Milton. The storm damaged two sections of the main concourse roof, with water damage below. Additionally, several hangars for private aircraft were severely damaged, and the usual debris from trees was scattered across the airport grounds. The airport CEO and President, Rick Piccolo, stated that repairs began promptly after staff assessed the damage. Despite their efforts to reopen by Saturday afternoon, it became clear that the damage was more extensive than initially thought, and a definite reopening date could not be guaranteed.
The closure of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport due to Hurricane Milton caused disruptions to travel plans and impacted the airport's operations. The airport had reported an increase in passenger numbers during the summer travel season, with 261,091 passengers in August 2023, a 10% increase compared to the previous year. However, the hurricane forced the airport to temporarily cease all air traffic, affecting both passengers and airlines. The airport worked diligently to repair the damage and resume operations as soon as possible, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring the safety and convenience of their customers.
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Repairs to the roof and concourse were required before reopening
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport was closed on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at 7 pm ahead of Hurricane Idalia. The airport planned to reopen the next day at 8 am, pending a damage assessment. The hurricane caused damage to the airport, including the roof over two sections of the main concourse, which resulted in water damage below. Repairs to the roof and concourse were required before reopening.
On Thursday, after assessing the damage from Hurricane Milton, staff began repairs to the roof. Airport CEO and President Rick Piccolo initially hoped to have the repairs finished by the end of the week to resume flights by Saturday afternoon. However, by Friday, Piccolo stated that it might take longer than expected. Contractors met with Piccolo to determine the next steps for repairs.
The hurricane's strong winds, clocked at 102 mph by an SRQ wind gauge, caused significant damage to the roof and the concourse. The second wall of the hurricane had the most impact, leading to the loss of the roof over two sections of the concourse. In addition to the structural damage, the storm also caused water damage below the affected areas.
The airport remained closed on Friday, with no guarantee of opening on Saturday. Repairs were still ongoing, and the extent of the damage required a thorough assessment and careful planning for the necessary repairs. The safety of the passengers and staff was the top priority, and the airport administration wanted to ensure that all necessary repairs were completed before resuming operations.
The closure of the airport due to Hurricane Milton caused disruptions to travel plans and impacted the airport's operations. Several flights were delayed or canceled, affecting a significant number of passengers. The airport worked diligently to repair the damage and resume normal operations as soon as possible, coordinating closely with contractors and staff to ensure a swift and safe reopening.
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The airport suspended flights ahead of the hurricane on October 8
The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport has a history of closing its doors ahead of hurricanes. In August 2023, the airport closed due to the impending Hurricane Idalia. The terminal was locked and secured, and flights were suspended following the final Delta Air Lines departure at 5:23 p.m. The airport planned to reopen the following day, pending a damage assessment.
In October 2024, the Sarasota Bradenton Airport once again found itself in the path of an impending hurricane, this time Hurricane Milton. The airport took proactive measures and suspended flights and travel ahead of the hurricane on October 8 at 4 p.m. This decision was made to ensure the safety of passengers, staff, and the airport infrastructure.
Hurricane Milton caused significant damage to the airport, particularly to the roof of the main concourse. Two sections of the roof were lost, resulting in water damage below. Additionally, several hangars for private aircraft were also severely damaged, and debris from trees was scattered across the airport grounds. The extent of the damage meant that the airport remained closed on Friday, with no guarantee of reopening on Saturday.
Airport CEO and President Rick Piccolo worked tirelessly to coordinate repairs and assess the damage. Despite the challenges, Piccolo remained committed to ensuring the safety of all and expressed his hope to have repairs completed as soon as possible to resume flights. The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the well-being of its passengers and staff by taking proactive measures during hurricanes and working diligently to recover from any resulting damage.
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Hurricane Idalia caused the airport to close for a day in August 2023
Hurricane Idalia caused the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport to close for a day in August 2023. The airport, also known as SRQ, shut its doors to all air traffic and secured its terminal at 7 pm on Tuesday, August 29. This closure was implemented as a precautionary measure in anticipation of the approaching Hurricane Idalia, which threatened Florida's coast.
The airport authorities took proactive steps to ensure the safety of both travellers and staff. They announced that SRQ would be locked and secured, and travellers were advised to refrain from seeking shelter within the airport terminal. Instead, they were directed to find evacuation centres in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Despite the challenges posed by the hurricane, SRQ demonstrated resilience and a commitment to safety.
The closure lasted only a day, as the airport swiftly reopened at 8 am on Wednesday, August 30, following a damage assessment. This swift reopening was a testament to the efficient management and preparedness of the airport staff. The reopening allowed travellers to resume their journeys, and the airport even offered a ''percent off' promotion for fall travel between September 5 and December 19, 2023, showcasing their dedication to passenger convenience.
Despite the impact of Hurricane Idalia, SRQ reported a notable increase in passenger numbers during the month of August 2023. The airport served 261,091 passengers, reflecting a 10% increase compared to August 2022. This growth underscores the airport's popularity and recovery from the hurricane's temporary disruption. SRQ's ability to quickly resume operations and accommodate a rising number of travellers highlights its resilience and efficient management in the face of adverse weather conditions.
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The terminal was locked and secured at 7 pm on Tuesday, August 29
As Hurricane Idalia approached Sarasota, the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) closed to all air traffic, and the terminal was locked and secured at 7 pm on Tuesday, August 29, 2023. The airport authorities had announced that they would remain open and operational earlier that day, but with the hurricane drawing closer, they had to reverse their decision. The last Delta Air Lines departure left the airport at 5:23 pm, and the terminal was then secured.
SRQ planned to reopen at 8 am the following day, Wednesday, August 30, pending a damage assessment. The airport's CEO and President, Rick Piccolo, urged travellers to check directly with their airlines for the latest flight information. He also reminded the public that the airport terminal was not a hurricane shelter.
The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport has experience with hurricane-related closures. In October 2024, the airport was forced to close due to damage caused by Hurricane Milton. Two sections of the main concourse roof were damaged, and there was water damage below. CEO Rick Piccolo stayed overnight in the airport during the hurricane and reported that the second wall of the hurricane caused the most damage to the roof.
Fortunately, the airport was able to resume flights soon after. Repairs began on Thursday, and while Piccolo initially hoped to have them finished by the end of the week, it became clear that more time was needed. Contractors met with him on Friday to determine the next steps, but a Saturday opening could not be guaranteed.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport closed on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, at 7 pm ahead of Hurricane Idalia. The airport administrators initially planned to reopen on Wednesday, August 30, at 8 am, pending a damage assessment.
Yes, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport closed on October 8, 2024, at 4 pm ahead of Hurricane Milton. The airport remained closed on Friday for repairs, and it was not guaranteed to reopen on Saturday as hoped.
The airport closes to all air traffic during a hurricane as a safety precaution. The airport terminal is locked and secured, and flights are suspended to prevent damage to aircraft and the airport infrastructure.
