How The Threat Of Hurricane Milton Is Impacting Flights To Florida

As Hurricane Milton closes in on Florida, thousands of scheduled flights to and from some of the state’s airports have been canceled, leaving passengers to make alternate travel arrangements. Orlando International Airport
, one of the US’ busiest airports, has ceased all commercial operations.

Flights in and out of Florida

Hurricane Milton is expected to be one of the most devastating hurricanes in west-central Florida and has already significantly impacted air transport in the region. According to the aviation analytics firm Cirium, over 2,300 departing and arriving flights at various Florida airports had been canceled by 7 am Florida time on October 9.

Florida departures

Regarding flights out of state, 264 (16% cancelation rate) departing flights were canceled on October 8. Tampa was the worst affected airport, with 165 cancelations (81%), followed by Southwest Florida International with 21 (28%) and Orlando International with 21 (5%).

Orlando International Airport

Photo: Orlando International Airport

By early Wednesday, October 9, the situation had worsened, with 853 (47%) departing flights being canceled. Orlando was the worst affected, with 400 cancelations (92%), followed by Tampa with 194 (93%) and Southwest Florida International with 74 (94%).

Florida arrivals

In terms of arrivals, 372 flights scheduled to land at Florida airports were canceled on October 8. This represents 22% of all scheduled arrivals. Tampa International had 187 cancelations (92%), while Orlando had 79 (19%), and Southwest had 36 (47%). Orlando increased to 416 (96%) on October 9, while Tampa increased to 200 (96%), and Southwest increased to 76 (94%).

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Preparing for widespread destruction

Hurricane Milton is heading towards Florida through the Gulf of Mexico. Millions of residents have been ordered to evacuate, as it threatens the Tampa Bay area. As reported by The Weather Channel, Hurricane Milton

will make landfall in Florida from late Wednesday to early Thursday
. It will also cause devastating winds, flash flooding from rainfall, and possibly several tornadoes on the Florida Peninsula.

Hurricane Milton forecast model.

Photo: National Weather Service

As seen in the past,

the aviation industry is often one of the first and hardest hit
by natural elements and global disasters.

In preparation for the devastating hurricane
, Orlando Airport has ceased all commercial operations. In its latest update, posted on X about five hours ago, the airport said,

“Our airport has now ceased commercial operations in anticipation of the arrival of Hurricane Milton. We’ll resume operations as soon as it’s safe, based on damage assessments, and keep you updated with the latest information. Stay safe, FL.”

Tampa Airport was closed on Monday, October 7, and commercial operations will only resume when it is safe to reopen. Airport officials said they would use the time after the suspension to prepare the airfield and terminals by securing the jet bridges, aircraft, and other airport equipment.

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Three other airports managed by Hillsborough County Aviation Authority – Peter O. Knight, Tampa Executive, and Plant City Airports have also been closed. Miami International Airport
, Florida’s other major gateway, remains open to ensure passengers can safely travel in and out of the state. However, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and encouraging travelers to check their flight status with their airlines.

Flights between Florida and the United Kingdom

Florida is also an important gateway

for transatlantic flights from several European countries
, including Scotland, Netherlands, Germany, France, and the UK. Delta Air Lines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Lufthansa are among the airlines connecting Miami, Orlando, and Tampa to Europe.

Orlando airport
Photo: Orlando International Airport

Cirium data shows that two out of 14 one-way flights between the UK and Florida were canceled on Tuesday, October 8. Both cancelations were from the UK to Tampa, giving the route a 100% cancelation rate. With the airports now closed, there will be no flight operations until it is safe.

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