Hurricane Milton: Florida airport closures, flight cancelations ahead of storm

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Published  October 8, 2024 12:54am EDT
FOX 35 Orlando
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ORLANDO, Fla. - Airports in Orlando and Tampa will stop commercial flights ahead of Hurricane Milton, which is expected to make landfall as an "extremely dangerous" major hurricane, according to the National Hurricane Center. 

If you're planning to travel to Orlando or Tampa this week, here is what you need to know about airport operations. Passengers should check with their airline about specific flights, flight schedule, potential delays or cancelations.

Are Florida's airports open or closed ahead of Hurricane Milton?

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

  • Orlando International Airport will suspend commercial flights at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
  • Orlando Executive Airport will suspend flights at 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8.
  • Orlando International Airport is not a shelter for Hurricane Milton. People cannot come to the airport for shelter.`

Tampa International Airport

  • Tampa International Airport will close at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9.
  • It was reopen "when it is safe to do so."

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

  • As of 5 p.m. Monday, Orlando Sanford International Airport was operating normally.
  • However, Allegiant Air, which is one of the airports main airlines, was adjusting its flight schedules ahead of Hurricane Milton.

Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB)

  • Melbourne Orlando International Airport will close to commercial flights at 2 p.m. Wednesday.
  • It plans to reopen at 9 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 11.

Daytona Beach International Airport

  • Operations are normal at Daytona International Airport. The airport said it was closely watching the storm.

St Pete-Clearwater International Airport

  • The airport will close after the last flight departs on Tuesday. All flights are canceled for Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

  • Operations are normal.

Miami International Airport

  •  Operations are normal.

Jacksonville International Airport

  • Operations are normal.

Southwest Florida International Airport

  • Airport will remain open on Tuesday, Oct. 8.
  • Commercial flights will be suspended for both Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 9 & 10.

How can I change my flight ahead of Milton?

Several airlines have issued travel advisories ahead of Milton, which usually allow passengers to change their flights without changing fees. The rules, limitations, and requirements vary by airline.

Below are each of the major airlines' current travel alerts and advisories.

Airline travel alerts:

Is my flight delayed or canceled because of Hurricane Milton?

The best place to check if your flight has been delayed or canceled is directly through the airline you booked through. You can check that airlines' mobile app, or website, or if you're already at the airport, at the counter, or on one of the monitor displays.

MCO does track flight delays and cancelations, too.