Additional Coverage:
- Airports are closing and American Airlines is operating evacuation flights as Hurricane Milton nears Florida (newsbreak.com)
Hurricane Milton Approaches Florida
Category 4 Hurricane Milton is expected to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday night. Four international airports, including Orlando International, Tampa International, and Sarasota-Bradenton, will close ahead of the storm. Several smaller airports will also suspend operations.
American Airlines Adds Evacuation Flights
American Airlines has added 12 flights to help evacuees leave Tampa International and Sarasota-Bradenton airports. Passengers can check two bags for free. Other airlines have issued travel alerts and are waiving change and cancellation fees.
Airport Closures and Preparations
Tampa International will close at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, followed by Sarasota-Bradenton at 4 p.m. and St Pete-Clearwater after the last flight departs. Orlando International will remain open for emergency and relief flights.
Several public airports, including Peter O. Knight and Tampa Executive, are also closing.
FAA Response
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is coordinating a response to Hurricane Milton. Radars will be shut down, and air traffic controllers will evacuate from towers. Personnel will be on the ground to restore services after the storm passes.