Ruth Haines
Tampa International Airport was forced to close due to the impending arrival of Hurricane Ian, which threatened the Tampa Bay region with strong winds, heavy rain, and a storm surge. The airport suspended all operations and closed to visitors at 5 pm on Tuesday, September 27, 2022. The closure allowed airport staff to secure jet bridges, ground equipment, and any remaining aircraft. The airport remained closed until Thursday, with no departing flights during that time. Tampa International Airport coordinated its reopening with local partners, based on roadway safety, facility readiness, and staffing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Closure | 27 September 2022 |
| Time of Closure | 5:00 PM |
| Day of the Week | Tuesday |
| Last Passenger Aircraft | Delta flight 2790 to Atlanta |
| Cargo and Military Aircraft | May continue on an emergency basis |
| Reopening | To be coordinated with local partners |
| Visitors | Not permitted |
| Staff | "Storm riders" remain to assist with essential tasks |
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What You'll Learn
Tampa International Airport suspended operations
The suspension of operations allowed airport staff to secure jet bridges, ground equipment, and any remaining aircraft. The airport's closure also enabled the protection of critical infrastructure, including aircraft and ground equipment, during the hurricane. The airport's CEO, Joe Lapano, and approximately 120 employees, remained at the airport during the storm to oversee these essential tasks.
During the closure, Tampa International Airport conducted damage assessments and coordinated with local partners to determine a safe reopening date. The airport's reopening was dependent on roadway safety, facility readiness, and staffing availability. The airport advised passengers to check with their airlines for the latest flight information and updates.
Hurricane Ian battered the region with strong winds, heavy rain, and a storm surge, causing significant impacts. The storm's effects extended beyond the airport, with Governor DeSantis urging Floridians in the path of the hurricane to evacuate. The storm also disrupted air travel across the country, affecting flight plans from coast to coast.
Tampa International Airport's suspension of operations was a necessary precaution to ensure the safety of passengers, staff, and infrastructure. By closing the airport and securing equipment, the facility minimized potential damage and ensured a swift recovery once the storm passed. The coordinated efforts between the airport, local partners, and airlines demonstrated effective emergency management and a commitment to safeguarding the well-being of all stakeholders.
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The airport closed to visitors
Tampa International Airport closed at 5 pm on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, due to Hurricane Ian. The airport suspended all operations as the hurricane threatened the Tampa Bay region with strong winds, heavy rain, and a storm surge. The last passenger aircraft to depart was Delta Flight 2790 to Atlanta, shortly after 5 pm. While all commercial flights ceased operations, cargo and military aircraft could continue to arrive or depart on an emergency basis. The airport, including the main terminal, airsides, and parking garages, was closed to all passengers and visitors. Only essential personnel, known as "storm riders", remained on airport property to assist with operations, maintenance, and communications.
The closure allowed airport personnel to secure jet bridges, ground equipment, and aircraft. Airport CEO Joe Lapano and 120 employees rode out the hurricane at the airport. The airport planned to assess the damage after the storm and coordinate its reopening with local partners, based on roadway safety, facility readiness, and staffing. The airport urged passengers with flights before 5 pm to arrive at least two hours before their departure time.
Tampa International Airport was not the only airport affected by Hurricane Ian. St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport also closed on Tuesday, with its last flight departing at 11:22 am, and the airport terminal closing at 1 pm. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, Orlando's Sanford International Airport, and Orlando International Airport also shut down operations due to the hurricane.
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All commercial flights ceased
Tampa International Airport suspended all operations on Tuesday, September 27, at 5 p.m. due to Hurricane Ian. The hurricane threatened the Tampa Bay region with strong winds, heavy rain, and a storm surge. All commercial flights ceased, with the last passenger aircraft to depart from the airport being Delta flight 2790 to Atlanta, shortly after 5 p.m.
The airport's closure allowed staff to secure jet bridges, ground equipment, and any remaining aircraft. The airport, including the main terminal, airsides, and parking garages, was closed to all visitors, except for essential personnel who remained to assist with operations, maintenance, and communications.
Cargo and military aircraft were permitted to continue arriving and departing on an emergency basis. The airport CEO, Joe Lapano, and approximately 120 employees, remained at the airport during the hurricane.
The airport planned to assess the damage after the storm and coordinate its reopening with local partners, based on roadway safety, facility readiness, and staffing. The airport urged passengers with flights before 5 p.m. on the day of the closure to arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure time.
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Cargo and military aircraft continued to operate
Tampa International Airport suspended operations and closed the airport due to Hurricane Ian. The airport ceased commercial flights at 5 pm on Tuesday, 27 September 2022, as the hurricane threatened the Tampa Bay region with strong winds, heavy rain, and a storm surge. The last passenger aircraft to depart from Tampa International Airport was Delta Flight 2790, which took off for Atlanta shortly after 5 pm.
While all commercial flights were halted, cargo and military aircraft continued to operate on an emergency basis. The airport, including the main terminal, airsides, and parking garages, was closed to all passengers and visitors. Only employees designated as "storm riders" remained on airport property to assist with operations, maintenance, communications, and other essential tasks. These employees were prepared to ride out the hurricane at the airport.
The closure of the airport allowed personnel to secure jet bridges, ground equipment, and aircraft. It also provided an opportunity to conduct damage assessments and coordinate the airport's reopening with partners based on roadway safety, facility readiness, and staffing. The airport's CEO, Joe Lapano, emphasized the importance of emergency preparedness and ensured that damage assessments would begin as soon as it was safe.
In the lead-up to Hurricane Ian, Fort Worth's JRB Navy Base served as a safe haven for military aircraft from MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa. More than a dozen F-16 fighter jets and C-130 cargo planes were relocated to Fort Worth, Texas, ahead of the hurricane's landfall. The Texas Air National Guard and the Navy closely monitored the path of the hurricane, and the Naval Air Station was prepared to provide humanitarian assistance if needed.
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The airport coordinated its reopening with local partners
Tampa International Airport suspended all operations on Tuesday, September 27, at 5 p.m. due to Hurricane Ian, which threatened the Tampa Bay region with strong winds, heavy rain, and a storm surge. The airport remained closed to the public until it could assess any potential damage from the storm. During this time, airport personnel worked to secure the facility, including aircraft, jet bridges, and ground equipment.
As soon as it was safe to do so, damage assessments were conducted to determine the extent of any damage caused by the hurricane. These assessments played a crucial role in the decision-making process for reopening the airport. The airport authorities worked closely with their partners to gather accurate information and make informed decisions about reopening.
The closure of the airport during Hurricane Ian highlights the importance of prioritizing the safety and security of both airport personnel and passengers. By coordinating with local partners and conducting thorough damage assessments, Tampa International Airport could ensure a well-organized and safe reopening. This coordinated effort allowed for the efficient resumption of travel operations and helped minimize disruptions caused by the hurricane.
The airport's proactive approach to suspending operations and subsequent coordination with local partners during the reopening process demonstrates their commitment to ensuring the well-being of all stakeholders and maintaining the smooth functioning of the airport despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Ian.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Tampa International Airport suspended all operations and closed to visitors at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27, due to Hurricane Ian. The airport is located in an evacuation zone.
Tampa International Airport will assess the damage after the storm and coordinate the reopening with local partners. The airport will reopen once it can safely assess damage, survey road conditions, and bring in staff.
Yes, Tampa International Airport saw outbound flight delays tick up throughout the day on Monday, September 26. By 9:30 p.m., more than 60 flights had been delayed, about a third of them on Southwest Airlines.
