Sachin Walls
Orlando International Airport (MCO) was shut down on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in anticipation of Hurricane Milton, which was headed inland toward Central Florida. The Category 5 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph, caused the airport to cease commercial passenger operations, while remaining open for emergency/aid and relief flights. The airport resumed operations on Friday, October 11, 2024, although it remained closed to the public and passengers were advised to contact their airlines directly for updates.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Shutdown | 9 October 2024 |
| Day of the Week | Wednesday |
| Time of Shutdown | 8 a.m. |
| Reason for Shutdown | Hurricane Milton |
| Other Affected Airports | Tampa International Airport, Melbourne Orlando International Airport, Orlando Executive Airport, Orlando Sanford International Airport |
| Reopening Date | 11 October 2024 |
| Time of Reopening | 9 a.m. |
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What You'll Learn
Orlando International Airport (MCO) shut down on Wednesday due to Hurricane Milton
The decision to suspend operations was made in coordination with the airport's partners and was based on the latest forecasts and information from emergency management officials. The airport followed standard procedures for hurricane preparation, including sandbagging doors and tying down all boarding bridges.
While commercial operations were suspended, the airport remained open to accept emergency, aid, and relief flights. Officials stressed that the airport was not a shelter for those seeking refuge from the hurricane and that passengers should not come to the airport for that purpose.
Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified in the western Gulf of Mexico, becoming a Category 5 hurricane by Monday morning. With maximum sustained winds of 160 mph, it posed a potentially catastrophic threat to Florida. Universities across the state cancelled classes and evacuated students, while residents were urged to keep an eye on storm drains and help clear them if possible.
The airport resumed commercial operations as soon as it was safe to do so, with flights scheduled to resume on Friday morning.
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Orlando Executive Airport also closed on Tuesday night
Orlando Executive Airport closed on Tuesday night at 10 pm, in anticipation of Hurricane Milton. The Category 5 hurricane is expected to cause airport shutdowns across Florida, with Tampa International Airport also closing on Tuesday morning. Orlando International Airport (MCO) ceased commercial passenger operations on Wednesday morning at 8 am, with neighbouring Melbourne Orlando International Airport following at 2 pm the same day.
The University of Central Florida in Orlando has also suspended all campus activity for the week, with other universities across the state closing or evacuating in preparation for the hurricane.
Hurricane Milton is expected to bring intense rainfall and powerful winds, with the National Hurricane Center rating it as a Category 5 hurricane—the highest rating on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. The storm is projected to cause potentially catastrophic damage, with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph.
In preparation for the hurricane, airports are sandbagging doors and tying down all boarding bridges. The airports will remain open for emergency/aid and relief flights and will resume commercial operations as soon as possible after the storm passes.
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The hurricane intensified rapidly to a Category 5 hurricane
Hurricane Milton is a "potentially catastrophic" Category 5 hurricane that rapidly intensified from a tropical storm to a Category 4 hurricane in just 19 hours—the fastest in the Atlantic since Hurricane Eta in 2020. On Monday morning, Milton further intensified into a Category 5 hurricane in the western Gulf of Mexico. With maximum sustained winds of 160 mph, it is the highest rating on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.
In anticipation of the hurricane, Orlando International Airport (MCO) ceased commercial passenger operations at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, while Orlando Executive Airport did so at 10 p.m. on Tuesday. Neighbouring Melbourne Orlando International Airport followed suit at 2 p.m. on Wednesday. While commercial operations were halted, the airports remained open for emergency/aid and relief flights.
Hurricane Milton posed a significant threat to Florida, leading to the suspension of commercial operations at many airports in Central Florida. The storm caused torrential downpours and intense winds, resulting in minor leaks and downed trees at the airports. Despite the relatively minor damage, officials conducted thorough damage assessments to ensure the safety of resuming operations.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) remained closed to most passenger flights on Thursday, with only a few domestic arrivals expected. The airport resumed operations for all commercial flights on Friday, October 11, although it was not yet open to the public, and passengers were advised to contact their airlines directly for updates. The resumption of operations at Orlando's airports brought relief to the thousands of travellers whose flights had been cancelled due to the hurricane.
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The airport resumed operations on Friday, October 11
Orlando International Airport (MCO) resumed operations on Friday, October 11, following a temporary shutdown due to Hurricane Milton. The hurricane, which rapidly intensified to a Category 5 storm, posed a significant threat to the airport and the wider region of Central Florida.
In anticipation of Hurricane Milton, MCO ceased commercial passenger operations on Wednesday, October 9, at 8 a.m. This decision was made to ensure the safety of passengers, staff, and the public, as the hurricane brought with it the dangers of torrential downpours and intense winds. During the shutdown, the airport remained open for emergency/aid and relief flights, playing a crucial role in supporting those in need during this challenging time.
As the hurricane moved off the coast of Florida, the airport conducted a thorough damage assessment to ensure the safety and integrity of its facilities. Fortunately, the impacts of Hurricane Milton on the airport were reported to be fleeting, with only minor leaks and downed trees observed.
On Friday, October 11, the airport reopened for all commercial flights, marking a swift resumption of operations. While the airport was back in business, officials acknowledged the need to continuously monitor the situation and make adjustments as more information became available. The reopening of the airport brought relief to many, with lines forming as people eagerly awaited their departures or arrivals.
The resumption of operations at Orlando International Airport symbolized the region's resilience and determination to recover from the challenges posed by Hurricane Milton. The swift response and dedication of airport staff and emergency management officials played a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
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The storm caused minor leaks and downed trees
Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 hurricane, caused Orlando International Airport (MCO) to shut down on Wednesday morning, with commercial flights ceasing operations at 8 a.m. The storm brought intense winds and torrential downpours, leading to minor leaks and downed trees at the airport.
As the hurricane approached Florida, the airport took necessary precautions by sandbagging doors and tying down all boarding bridges. Despite these preparations, the storm's impact resulted in minor leaks and downed trees within the airport premises.
The leaks were described as minor, indicating that they were not widespread or severe. However, even minor leaks can cause disruptions and require repairs before the airport can resume full operations. Downed trees can also pose safety hazards and impede transportation and infrastructure.
The storm's impact on the airport was considered fleeting, but officials needed time to assess the damages caused by the powerful hurricane. This included evaluating the extent of the leaks and determining any structural damage caused by the downed trees.
The airport remained closed to most passenger flights on Thursday as damage assessments were conducted. It reopened for commercial flights on Friday, Oct 11, although it was not yet open to the public, and passengers were advised to contact their airlines directly for updates.
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Frequently asked questions
Orlando Airport shut down on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in anticipation of Hurricane Milton.
Orlando Airport shut down to prepare for Hurricane Milton, which was expected to bring torrential downpours and intense winds.
Orlando Airport resumed operations on Friday, October 11, 2024, after Hurricane Milton.
As of October 11, 2024, Orlando Airport is open and operational for all commercial flights.
