Hurricane Milton Grounds Thousands of Flights to Florida

By Ivan PetrenkoOct 11, 2024 08:30 AMNews
Share:
Chicago O'Hare Airport, Chicago, USA
Chicago O'Hare Airport, Chicago, USA. Source: unsplash

As Hurricane Milton barrels towards Florida, the state’s airports have been heavily impacted, with over 2,300 flights canceled as of October 9, leaving passengers scrambling for alternate travel plans. Orlando International Airport, one of the busiest in the U.S., has halted all commercial operations as the storm approaches.

Widespread Flight Cancellations

The aviation industry has been significantly disrupted, with Tampa, Orlando, and Southwest Florida International Airports bearing the brunt of the cancellations. On October 8, Tampa had an 81% flight cancellation rate for departures, and by early October 9, nearly 93% of flights departing Tampa were canceled. Orlando saw a 92% cancellation rate, and Southwest Florida International experienced a 94% cancellation of outbound flights. Arrivals were similarly affected, with Tampa, Orlando, and Southwest experiencing cancellation rates of over 90% on October 9.

Preparing for the Storm’s Devastation

Hurricane Milton, expected to bring destructive winds, flash flooding, and potential tornadoes, is anticipated to make landfall late on October 11. As a precaution, airports in Tampa and Orlando have closed, securing jet bridges, aircraft, and equipment. While Miami International Airport remains open, it is closely monitoring the situation, and passengers are advised to check flight statuses.

Transatlantic Flight Disruptions

Florida’s key role in connecting Europe to the U.S. has also been affected. British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Delta have canceled transatlantic flights, especially to Tampa. With Florida’s airports closed, all flights are suspended until conditions improve.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Air Canada aircraft taxiing at the airport

From Toronto to Tirana: Air Canada and ITA Airways Expand Travel Routes

Jul 14, 2025 23:47 PM
A Stagecoach double-decker bus stops on a city street in front of a historic brick building

Summer Bus Cuts in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Challenge Access to Outdoor Destinations

Jul 14, 2025 22:31 PM

Alpine Town in Switzerland Combines Ski Season with Lake Sports

Jul 14, 2025 21:25 PM

Cancellations and Disruptions: Southend Airport Closed Following Aircraft Incident

Jul 14, 2025 18:48 PM
Modern hotel bedroom with neutral tones and ambient lighting

New Hotel Near Dublin Offers Quiet Alternative for Exploring Ireland's Heartland

Jul 14, 2025 17:32 PM
View of Helsinki Airport terminal with passengers silhouetted against large windows

Finland’s Airports to Operate Normally During Peak July Travel After Strike Threat Lifted

Jul 13, 2025 21:28 PM
Delta Airlines Boeing 767 aircraft climbing after takeoff at sunset

New Direct Flight Links Utah to Peru’s Natural Wonders

Jul 12, 2025 21:36 PM
Interior of a Kimpton Ubud guest room with garden view

Kimpton Hotel to Open for the First Time in Ubud’s Historic Centre

Jul 12, 2025 13:41 PM
Protester in high-visibility vest shouting through megaphone during a strike

Glasgow Airport Strike to Hit Summer Flights and Holiday Plans

Jul 12, 2025 05:27 AM

Calder Valley Route Boost Ensures Smoother Travel During Huddersfield Station Upgrade

Jul 12, 2025 03:34 AM

Croatia Airlines Connects Milan to Zagreb with Direct Flights

Jul 11, 2025 23:45 PM
Boats anchored near Es Vedrà rock off the coast of Cala Molí, Ibiza

EDITION Moves Beyond Hotels with Series of Beach Events in Ibiza

Jul 11, 2025 22:52 PM
Stylish bed with decorative pillows and modern lighting in a villa bedroom

Maldives Beach Villas Redesigned to Meet Growing Demand for Privacy and Nature Immersion

Jul 11, 2025 18:38 PM
flydubai aircraft taxiing on airport runway

flydubai Launches All-in-One Summer Travel Packages for Regional Trips

Jul 11, 2025 16:46 PM
Railway maintenance vehicles on track under clear blue sky

Rail Closures on Brighton Line This Sunday Could Disrupt Weekend Travel Plans

Jul 11, 2025 04:23 AM

Eurostar Updates Route: New Daily Services Between London and Amsterdam

Jul 11, 2025 02:39 AM

Wizz Air’s Early Return Reconnects Tel Aviv with Key Cities

Jul 10, 2025 23:47 PM
Workers in high-visibility gear conduct railway maintenance using machinery on a curved track under construction

Rail Maintenance in South Wales to Disrupt Travel Near Cardiff Airport and Coastal Attractions

Jul 10, 2025 21:31 PM
Jet2.com airplane flying against a clear blue sky

Jet2.com Expands UK Winter Flights to Key Alpine Destinations for 2026/27 Season

Jul 10, 2025 19:25 PM
Modern hotel bedroom with dark accent wall and stylish bedding

Bangkok’s Historic Anantara Siam Hotel Updates Facilities While Welcoming Guests

Jul 10, 2025 18:48 PM
Passenger using smartphone during a flight

Free In-Flight Wi-Fi Coming to All China Airlines Cabins This August

Jul 10, 2025 09:32 AM
Railway workers and equipment on a closed section of track during construction works

Bridge Works to Sever Rail Traffic Between Kew and Barnes for Nine Days

Jul 9, 2025 21:27 PM

Wizz Air Launches Mobile Feature to Manage Summer Flight Disruptions

Jul 9, 2025 19:34 PM

Facial Recognition Boarding Now in Use at JFK Terminal 1

Jul 9, 2025 17:43 PM
Emirates aircraft taking off from runway

Emirates Adjusts Gulf Travel with New Aircraft on Key Route

Jul 9, 2025 09:29 AM
Rail workers performing track maintenance at a train station during daytime

Planned Rail Works to Impact Night Trains Between Llandudno and Holyhead

Jul 9, 2025 07:36 AM