Lois Larson
Tampa International Airport has a history of closing during hurricanes. In 2022, the airport suspended operations and closed due to Hurricane Ian. Two years later, in 2024, the airport again suspended operations and closed ahead of Hurricane Milton. During both hurricanes, the airport ceased commercial flights and closed to the public until it could assess any damage after the storm.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tampa Airport Closing Date | Tuesday, August 29, 2023 |
| Reopening Date | Wednesday, August 31, 2023 (for arriving flights); Thursday, September 1, 2023 (full operations) |
| Reason for Closure | Hurricane Idalia |
| Damage Sustained | Minor flooding on the south side of the airfield; one airfield light fell down |
| Other Affected Airports | St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport, Peter O. Knight Airport |
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What You'll Learn
- Tampa International Airport closed on Tuesday due to Tropical Storm Idalia
- The airport reopened on Wednesday afternoon for arriving flights
- All operations resumed on Thursday morning
- The airport cannot be used as an emergency shelter
- Tampa Bay and the Big Bend region are under severe tropical storm warnings
Tampa International Airport closed on Tuesday due to Tropical Storm Idalia
Tampa International Airport was closed on Tuesday due to Tropical Storm Idalia, which was forecast to become a major hurricane before hitting Florida's Gulf Coast. The airport closed to all commercial air travel at midnight on Monday, with the last commercial flights departing after midnight, and all air traffic stopping by 7 a.m. Tuesday. The closure was necessary to secure jet bridges, equipment, and aircraft before the storm, which was expected to bring strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surges. The airport's location along the coast of Tampa Bay made it particularly vulnerable to storm surges, with weather experts predicting between four and seven feet of surge.
The decision to suspend operations was made after extensive conversations with the National Weather Service, with the safety of airport employees, travellers, and facilities taking top priority. The airport was not equipped to function as an emergency shelter, so those seeking shelter were encouraged to make other arrangements. The closure also allowed for the protection of critical infrastructure, including strapping down nearly 60 boarding bridges, relocating planes, deploying sandbags, and securing active construction sites.
Tampa International Airport reopened to arriving flights at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, and resumed full operations at 3 a.m. on Thursday. The airport did not sustain any significant damage during the storm, aside from some flooding on the south side of the airfield that did not impact runways. The early closure and protective measures implemented by airport staff played a crucial role in minimizing the impact of the storm on the airport's infrastructure and operations.
While the airport quickly resumed operations, other airports in the region, such as Peter O. Knight Airport, experienced more significant disruptions due to flooding and storm damage. The storm's impact on the region's transportation network highlights the importance of early preparedness and coordination between different agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
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The airport reopened on Wednesday afternoon for arriving flights
Tampa International Airport reopened on Wednesday afternoon for arriving flights after closing ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia, which was expected to become a major hurricane before hitting Florida's Gulf Coast. The storm was forecast to bring strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surges, with the potential to cause significant flooding and destructive winds.
The decision to close the airport was made to ensure the safety of employees and travelers, and to allow time to secure jet bridges, ground equipment, and aircraft. The airport was not equipped to function as an emergency shelter, so those requiring accommodations were encouraged to make alternative arrangements.
Following the storm, airport operations and maintenance staff inspected the facilities and determined that there was only minor flooding that did not impact the runways. The airport resumed operations at 3 a.m. on Thursday, and officials stated that they were focused on returning to full operational capacity to assist in recovery efforts.
The reopening of the airport was coordinated with partners based on roadway safety, facility readiness, and staffing. Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano expressed gratitude for avoiding the worst effects of the storm and emphasized their commitment to serving the community and supporting fellow Floridians in their recovery.
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All operations resumed on Thursday morning
Tampa International Airport resumed full operations at 3 a.m. on Thursday, August 31, after closing down in anticipation of Hurricane Idalia. The airport had shut down on Tuesday to secure jet bridges, equipment, and aircraft and to protect its employees and travellers.
The decision to suspend operations was made after 'extensive conversations' with the National Weather Service, with the airport's leadership reiterating that the safety of its employees, travellers, and facilities was paramount. The National Weather Service had placed the Tampa Bay region under a Hurricane Warning on Monday, prompting the closure.
Tampa International Airport reopened to arriving flights at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 30, after Hurricane Idalia moved away from the Tampa Bay region. Airport operations and maintenance staff inspected the airfield and facilities on Wednesday morning and determined that, aside from some flooding that did not impact the runways, the airport had not sustained any serious damage during the storm.
Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano expressed relief that the airport had avoided the worst effects of the dangerous storm and thanked the staff for their proactive safety measures. He also emphasised the airport's focus on returning to full operational capacity to serve the community and assist in recovery efforts for those affected by the hurricane in Florida.
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The airport cannot be used as an emergency shelter
Tampa International Airport is not equipped to function as an emergency shelter. The airport is located along the coast of Tampa Bay, which makes it particularly vulnerable to storm surges. In the case of Hurricane Idalia, the airport closed to secure jet bridges, equipment, and aircraft, and to protect its infrastructure. The airport's priority is to ensure the safety of its employees, travelers, and facilities. It is not designed to accommodate people seeking shelter during a storm.
The decision to suspend operations and close the airport was made after careful consideration and extensive conversations with the National Weather Service. The closure allowed for the protection of critical infrastructure, such as strapping down boarding bridges, relocating planes, deploying sandbags, and securing construction sites. These measures are necessary to safeguard the airport and do not provide accommodations for those seeking shelter.
Additionally, the airport's location within the mandatory evacuation zone further emphasizes that it is not a suitable place for refuge during a hurricane. The airport itself may be susceptible to the impacts of the storm, including flooding and strong winds, which could pose risks to those seeking shelter. The airport's focus is on securing its own facilities and ensuring the safety of its employees and travelers, rather than providing shelter for evacuees.
While the airport cannot serve as an emergency shelter, it does play a crucial role in the recovery phase after a storm. Once the airport resumes operations, it can assist in relief efforts and facilitate the transportation of essential supplies and personnel to support the affected communities. However, during the storm, the airport's resources are dedicated to safeguarding its own infrastructure and assets.
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Tampa Bay and the Big Bend region are under severe tropical storm warnings
Tropical Storm Debby has strengthened, bringing storm surges, intense downpours, flooding, and strong winds to the Tampa Bay and Big Bend regions of Florida. The National Weather Service has placed the Tampa Bay region under a Hurricane Warning, with tropical storm warnings in effect for the Big Bend region.
As of Saturday night, Tropical Storm Debby was located at 24.4 N 83.6 W, with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph. The storm is expected to intensify as it moves over the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, potentially bringing hurricane-force wind gusts of up to 74 mph across Florida. The possibility of tornadoes in Tampa Bay cannot be ruled out, according to FOX 13 News Meteorologist Valerie Mills.
The FOX Forecast Center has reported that showers and thunderstorms are already impacting southern portions of Florida, with the track shifting west towards the southern edge of Cuba. This shift will allow the storm more time to strengthen over the Gulf waters. The west coast of Florida, including Tampa Bay, will experience downpours, flooding, and tropical-storm-force winds. Rainfall totals are expected to reach 5-10 inches, with isolated areas receiving up to 18 inches.
Citrus County officials have issued mandatory evacuation orders for Zone A, which includes the entire city of Crystal River and low-lying areas west of U.S. 19. Crystal River Mayor Joe Meek has urged residents to heed the warnings, as meteorologists predict that Crystal River could see a maximum storm surge of 5 feet, while Levy County to the north could experience up to 7 feet. Tampa International Airport, which previously closed ahead of Tropical Storm Idalia, is expected to implement similar precautionary measures and suspend operations to protect infrastructure and ensure the safety of passengers and employees.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Tampa International Airport is closing temporarily due to Tropical Storm Idalia, which is expected to become a major hurricane.
Tampa Airport closed at midnight on Tuesday, 29 August 2023, ahead of Idalia's landfall on Wednesday.
Tampa Airport reopened for arriving flights on Wednesday, 30 August 2023, at 4 pm. It resumed full operations at 3 am on Thursday, 31 August 2023.
The airport closed to ensure the safety of its employees, travellers, and facilities. The storm posed risks such as strong winds, heavy rain, storm surges, and flash flooding.
