Airlines Cancel Flights, Airports Close as Hurricane Milton Nears Florida
By Abhinav Parmar
As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, the aviation industry is bracing for significant disruptions. With the storm expected to make landfall on Wednesday, airlines are proactively canceling flights and adjusting their schedules, while several airports in the state have announced temporary closures. This article explores the impact of Hurricane Milton on air travel, the measures being taken by airlines, and the broader implications for passengers.
Flight Cancellations and Delays
As of Tuesday afternoon, the effects of Hurricane Milton were already being felt across the United States. Flight tracking data from FlightAware reported that 1,311 flights within, into, or out of the country were delayed, while 701 flights had been canceled. The situation is expected to worsen, with over 1,500 flights scheduled for Wednesday already canceled. This wave of cancellations highlights the storm’s potential to disrupt travel plans for thousands of passengers.
Airport Closures
Major airports in Florida are taking precautionary measures in anticipation of the hurricane’s impact. Orlando International Airport, one of the busiest in the U.S., announced that it would cease operations at 8 a.m. local time on Wednesday. Tampa International Airport, another key hub, closed its doors on Tuesday. These closures are part of a broader strategy to ensure the safety of passengers and staff as Hurricane Milton approaches the state.
Impact on Airlines
Several airlines are particularly vulnerable to the disruptions caused by Hurricane Milton. Analysts at Raymond James have indicated that carriers such as Allegiant Air, Sun Country Airlines, and JetBlue Airways may face significant challenges if the storm affects travel demand. On Tuesday alone, JetBlue canceled 41 flights, while Allegiant reported 92 cancellations. Sun Country Airlines also announced the cancellation of approximately 19 passenger flights.
In light of the impending storm, Allegiant Air stated, "We expect service to resume later this week, but there are a variety of factors that will go into that decision." This uncertainty underscores the challenges airlines face in navigating the unpredictable nature of hurricanes.
Evacuations and Increased Capacity
As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida’s Gulf Coast, where more than 1 million residents have been ordered to evacuate, airlines are responding by adding extra capacity to help move people out of the state. United Airlines, JetBlue, and Air Canada are among the carriers that have implemented measures to accommodate the increased demand for flights as residents seek to escape the storm’s path.
Conclusion
As Hurricane Milton nears Florida, the aviation industry is taking significant steps to mitigate the impact of the storm. With numerous flight cancellations and airport closures, travelers are urged to stay informed about their flight status and consider alternative travel plans. The situation remains fluid, and airlines are working diligently to navigate the challenges posed by the hurricane while ensuring the safety of their passengers and crew. As the storm approaches, the focus will remain on the safety and well-being of those in its path.