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

By Josh Frigerio

Updated October 8, 2024 4:00pm EDT

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Hurricane Milton update (10/11)

ORLANDO, Fla. - Airports around Florida have begun to reopen after Hurricane Milton swept across the state this week. Passengers have been advised to contact their airline directly for the latest on specific flights.

Orlando International Airport fully opened on Friday morning, Oct. 11.
Daytona Beach International Airport is also open. The cell phone lot is closed due to downed power lines.
Orlando Sanford International Airport opened on Friday morning. Oct. 11.
Tampa International Airport is open and operational.
Melbourne Orlando International Airport opened Friday morning, Oct. 11.
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport remains closed. "Airport is still assessing damage and has not announced reopening yet."
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is open.
Miami International Airport is open.
Jacksonville International Airport is open.

Original story:

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 schedules, 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 will reopen "when it is safe to do so."

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

As of noon Tuesday, the Orlando-Sanford International Airport will be closed Wednesday at 8 a.m.
However, Allegiant Air, which is one of the airport's 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

Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) will cease commercial passenger and private operations in advance of Hurricane Milton at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9.

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

The airport will remain open on Tuesday, Oct. 8, but be mindful of cancelations. The parking garage is currently full.
Commercial flights will be suspended on 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.