BREAKING: Orlando International Airport to Cease Operations Due to Hurricane Milton

A hurricane is heading straight for Central Florida, and many preparations are underway.

Disney World has already started updating cancelation policies and limiting new reservations, and locals are out and about gathering supplies for the storm. Hurricane Milton is set to make landfall later this week, and now, the Orlando area airports are announcing weather plans.

STORM UPDATES

In a statement released on their website, Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) have announced that they’ll “cease commercial passenger and private operations” ahead of Hurricane Milton on Wednesday, October 9th.

Operational Update/3 – Hurricane Milton
Our airport will cease commercial operations on Wednesday morning, in advance of Hurricane Milton. This move was made in coordination with our partners. We will resume commercial operations as soon as it is safe.
➡️ https://t.co/VAiO6KFJfY pic.twitter.com/3VwhV4MVvm

— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) October 7, 2024

This will go into effect on Wednesday morning. The airports will not be closed and will remain open to accept emergency flights, as well as aid and relief flights. Commercial operations will be resumed as necessary once damage is assessed.

UPDATE: Orlando International Airport announced that it would cease commercial operations at 8AM on October 9th. The airport asks that you reach out to your airline regarding the status of your flight.

Operational Update/4 – Hurricane Milton
On Wednesday, at 8 a.m., commercial operations will cease at our airport. We'll continue to monitor the hurricane's path and we'll post updates as they become available. Please continue to work with your airline in regards to your flight. pic.twitter.com/lM8qaL8s7v

— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) October 7, 2024

For updates on flights you have already booked, passengers are encouraged to check with individual airlines instead of the airport directly. It’s also important to keep in mind that MCO is not an authorized shelter, and will not be accepting local residents during a severe weather event.

We’ll make sure to keep you updated with any information about MCO and ORL reopening, as well as any additional weather updates. At the time of publishing, Hurricane Milton has strengthened to a Category 5 storm. Rain is forecasted for the Central Florida area for the next few days, so be safe if you’re out and about!