Tampa Airport to close ahead of Hurricane Milton; AA adds evacuation flights

Tampa International Airport (TPA) has announced that beginning 09:00 local time on October 8, 2024, it will suspend all commercial and cargo operations ahead of Hurricane Milton.

The state of Florida has been warned that Hurricane Milton has intensified from a category 4 to a category 5, with some cities receiving evacuation orders. Hurricane Milton is on its way to become a major hurricane with the Tampa Bay area in its sights.

The @NWSNHC warns Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida. Watch live coverage or learn how to stream: https://t.co/EAfvm950sr pic.twitter.com/iN5tT26eg6— The Weather Channel (@weatherchannel) October 7, 2024The Weather Channel warned that Milton has the potential to be one of the most destructive hurricanes on record for west-central Florida. 

TPA Airport said that it will remain closed to the public until it can assess any damage after the storm. 

The airport said it will use the time ahead of the suspension to prepare the airfield and terminals, including the securing of jet bridges, ground equipment and any remaining aircraft before the storm arrives. 

The three other public airports managed by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority – Peter O. Knight (TPF), Tampa Executive Airport (VDF) and Plant City Airport (PCM) – will also be closed under the same time frame as Tampa Airport.

🚨 TPA TO CLOSE DUE TO MILTON 🚨⁰🛑 We will suspend flight operations at 9 a.m. Tuesday and reopen when safe to do so⁰⁰✈️ Check directly with your airline for flight updates⁰⁰⛈️ TPA is not a shelter for people or vehicles⁰⁰📲 Stay tuned to our social media for more info pic.twitter.com/G4UxrR0BpP— Tampa International Airport ✈️ (@FlyTPA) October 7, 2024The management authority also announced that the airport, including the Main Terminal and Airsides, will not be open for public use and is not equipped to function as a shelter for people or vehicles.  

“The Airport is in an “A” evacuation zone and will not be staffed to assist others with supplies or assistance, nor will emergency services be able to respond to calls or transport individuals to or from the Airport,” Tampa Airport said in a statement.

The airport has advised passengers to follow its social media channels for updates, as well as respective airlines for flight status.

American Airlines provides extra seats ahead of Hurricane Milton

Meanwhile, American Airlines announced that it is adding more than 2,000 seats departing from Tampa International Airport (TPA) and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) from October 7-8, 2024 for those who need to evacuate the area.

The airline said it will suspend operations at both airports shortly after midnight on October 8, 2024. It is also currently evaluating its operations at other airports in the region based on the latest weather forecasts.

American also issued a travel alert for 12 airports in Florida, allowing customers whose travel plans are impacted by Hurricane Milton to rebook without change fees. Customers can reschedule travel on aa.com, through the airline app or by contacting airline reservations at 800-433-7300 in the United States or Canada.

The state of Florida had just recovered from Hurricane Helene, which wreaked havoc across six states in Southwestern US in the last week of September 2024, resulting in more than 200 casualties.

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