Roberta Aguirre
Hurricane Milton battered Florida, causing several airports to shut down in anticipation of the storm. The extreme wind gusts and heavy rainfall from the hurricane affected several areas, including the airports. Orlando International Airport (MCO), Tampa International Airport (TPA), and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) were among the airports that closed ahead of the hurricane's landfall. As of Friday, October 11, 2024, many airports in Florida have resumed operations or are preparing to reopen, with some still assessing the damage and determining a reopening date.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airports reopening after Hurricane Milton | Orlando International Airport, Tampa International Airport, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, Palm Beach International Airport, Southwest Florida International Airport, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, Melbourne Orlando International Airport |
| Airports reopening date | Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport: 16 October 2024; Tampa International Airport, 11 October 2024, Southwest Florida International Airport, 11 October 2024, Orlando International Airport, 11 October 2024 |
| Airports with unclear status | Plant City, Tampa Executive, Peter O. Knight |
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What You'll Learn
Orlando International Airport (MCO) reopened
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has reopened following closures ahead of and during Hurricane Milton. The airport resumed operations on Thursday night, with limited domestic arrivals, and a return to full arrivals and international operations on Friday.
The airport closures impacted thousands of flights, with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) official reporting over 3,600 cancellations.
Several airports in the Tampa, Sarasota, and Orlando areas closed in the lead-up to Hurricane Milton, with some remaining shut as the storm passed through. Smaller airports, including Plant City, Tampa Executive, and Peter O. Knight, had their statuses listed as unclear as of Thursday.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) was not the only airport to experience disruptions. Tampa International Airport (TPA), Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB), and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) all closed ahead of the hurricane.
The storm caused significant damage to infrastructure, with Sarasota Airport, for example, sharing that Concourse B had lost its entire roof. Despite the challenges, many airports in the region are working to resume operations as quickly as possible, with updates being provided by airport officials and airlines.
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Tampa International Airport (TPA) reopened
Tampa International Airport (TPA) has reopened following Hurricane Milton, joining several other airports in the region that have resumed operations. The powerful storm caused the closure of multiple airports in Florida, with over 3,600 flight cancellations reported in the state.
TPA's resumption of operations marks a significant step towards recovery in the aftermath of the hurricane. The airport, located in Tampa, Florida, serves as a major transportation hub in the region. Its closure ahead of Hurricane Milton's landfall was a necessary precaution to ensure the safety of passengers, staff, and aircraft.
While TPA is now open, travellers are advised to remain cautious and check with their airlines for specific flight updates. The airport is still experiencing limited parking options, and travellers are cautioned to be careful on the roads due to non-functional traffic lights.
In addition to TPA, other airports in the Tampa, Sarasota, and Orlando areas that were previously closed due to the hurricane are also in the process of reopening. Sarasota Airport, for example, announced it would remain closed until 9 a.m. on October 16, with commercial and private passenger operations resuming after damage assessments were conducted.
The reopening of Tampa International Airport (TPA) is a positive development, indicating that the region is gradually recovering from the impact of Hurricane Milton. As the recovery efforts continue, travellers are advised to stay updated with the latest information from their respective airlines and airports to ensure a smooth travel experience.
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Sarasota-Bradenton Airport remained closed
Multiple airports in Florida were forced to close in anticipation of Hurricane Milton, with over 3,600 flights cancelled. Orlando International Airport and Palm Beach International Airport were among those that planned to reopen within hours of the hurricane leaving the state.
The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) was one of the airports that remained closed in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton. SRQ announced that it would be closed to all air traffic and the terminal would be locked and secured from 7 pm on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, as Hurricane Idalia approached. The airport planned to reopen at 8 am the following day, August 30, pending a damage assessment.
SRQ also remained closed after Hurricane Milton, with airport officials announcing that it would remain closed until 9 am on October 16. Concourse B lost its entire roof, and the airport recorded one of the strongest gusts during the storm at 102 mph. The airport shared photos of the destruction, showcasing the extensive damage inflicted by the hurricane.
The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is known for its spacious terminal, convenient layout, and smooth travel experience. With a focus on passenger comfort and ease, the airport boasts short check-in lines and efficient aircraft operations. In March, the airport accommodated 597,796 passengers, reflecting its popularity and busy schedule.
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Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) reopened
In October 2024, several airports in Florida were forced to close due to the impact of Hurricane Milton. The storm battered the Sunshine State, causing thousands of flight cancellations. Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) were among those that shut down in anticipation of the hurricane.
PBI, an award-winning airport in South Florida, is now reopened. The airport had resumed operations within hours of Hurricane Milton leaving the state. This swift reopening was made possible by the dedicated recovery efforts of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other crews, who worked tirelessly to assess and repair any damage caused by the storm.
The reopening of PBI is a significant development, as it plays a crucial role in the region's travel and tourism industry. PBI is known for its convenience and modern facilities, with ongoing multi-million dollar projects aimed at enhancing the passenger experience. The airport is a popular gateway to the Palm Beach area, offering easy access to the region's renowned beaches, attractions, and vibrant communities.
With PBI back in operation, travellers can once again take advantage of its convenient location and efficient services. The airport provides a seamless travel experience, featuring rideshare pickups on the outer curb of the third-floor Departure Level and multiple parking options, including long-term, premium, and short-term lots.
The reopening of PBI is a testament to the resilience of Florida's aviation industry and the dedication of those working behind the scenes to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. As the airport resumes its role as a key travel hub, travellers can look forward to enjoying the sun-soaked destinations and experiences that the Palm Beach area has to offer.
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St. Pete-Clearwater Airport remained closed
Multiple airports in Florida were forced to shut down due to Hurricane Milton, with over 3,600 flights cancelled. Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) were among those that closed but planned to reopen within hours of the hurricane leaving the state.
The St. Pete-Clearwater Airport remained closed as of Thursday evening, along with several other airports in the region, including Tampa International Airport (TPA), Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB), and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). The powerful storm caused extensive damage, with Sarasota Airport recording one of the strongest gusts of 102 mph, resulting in the loss of the entire roof of Concourse B.
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) suspended operations ahead of Hurricane Milton's landfall. The airport terminal closed on Tuesday, October 8th, after its last flight departure. All Allegiant flights were cancelled on Wednesday, October 9th, and Thursday, October 10th. Passengers were encouraged to contact the airlines directly for information regarding cancellations and the resumption of service. The airport is located in a mandatory evacuation zone and does not serve as a public shelter.
As of Thursday, the statuses of three smaller airports in the area—Plant City, Tampa Executive, and Peter O. Knight—were unclear. While some airports resumed operations or prepared to reopen soon, St. Pete-Clearwater Airport remained closed, with no immediate indication of when it would reopen. The closure of the airport caused significant disruptions for travellers, and the airport operators worked to assess the damage and determine when it would be safe to resume operations.
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Frequently asked questions
By Friday, October 11, all but one of Central and Southwest Florida's airports were operational. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) was scheduled to reopen on October 16.
Tampa International Airport reopened at 8 a.m. on Friday, October 11.
Orlando International Airport resumed full commercial passenger operations on Friday, October 11.
Sarasota-Bradenton and Palm Beach International airports remained closed after Hurricane Milton.
