Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Halt Operations Ahead of Hurricane Milton

26 days ago in "Severe Weather impacts to Walt Disney World"

Hurricane Milton
Posted: Monday October 7, 2024 1:25pm ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) will suspend all commercial passenger and private operations on Wednesday morning, October 9, 2024, in preparation for Hurricane Milton, which is expected to bring significant impacts to central Florida.

This announcement follows a similar move by Tampa International Airport (TPA), which has already closed to all commercial and cargo operations as of Tuesday morning. Tampa is expected to experience more direct impacts from Hurricane Milton, including life-threatening storm surge and high winds.

Orlando Airport Operations Suspended

Starting Wednesday morning, both MCO and ORL will cease all regular flight operations. While the airport will not fully close, it will be available only for emergency, aid, and relief flights until it is safe to resume normal operations. A damage assessment will be conducted after the storm passes to determine when commercial flights can safely restart.

Travelers who are scheduled to fly in or out of MCO during this time should contact their airlines for the latest updates on cancellations, delays, and rebooking options. Many airlines are already adjusting their schedules, and flight disruptions are expected throughout the week as Hurricane Milton moves closer to Florida.

MCO Not an Authorized Shelter

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) has also reminded the public that MCO is not an authorized shelter during the hurricane. The airport does not have the capacity to house local residents during severe weather events, and emergency management officials have designated specific shelters throughout the area. Those in need of shelter should follow local emergency instructions for safe locations to ride out the storm.

Safety and Reopening Plans

The airport will reopen based on the results of the damage assessment conducted after the storm, as well as the condition of roadways leading to the airport. GOAA will work closely with airlines and other partners, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), to ensure the airport is fully operational as soon as possible.

Hurricane Milton’s Impact on Central Florida and Tampa

Hurricane Milton is expected to bring Category 1-2 winds to central Florida, with peak winds forecasted to arrive on Wednesday. In addition to strong winds, the region could experience heavy rainfall, leading to potential flooding in some areas. Travelers should monitor local weather forecasts and plan for possible road closures and flooded streets near MCO and other locations.

Meanwhile, Tampa International Airport (TPA) has already suspended all operations and closed its parking garages to the public. TPA is also only open to emergency flights at this time and will remain closed until officials can assess the damage after the storm. Passengers traveling through Tampa should check with their airlines and prepare for significant delays.

What Travelers Should Do

  • Check Flight Status: Contact your airline for the latest flight information. Many flights in and out of MCO and TPA are being canceled or rescheduled, so it’s essential to stay updated.
  • Monitor Local Shelters: Remember, MCO is not a shelter, so those in need should seek shelter at locations designated by local authorities.
  • Plan Ahead: Be prepared for extended delays at both Orlando and Tampa airports as post-storm assessments are conducted to determine when regular operations can safely resume.
Discuss on the Forums

Get Walt Disney World News Delivered to Your Inbox

View all comments →

Lilofan14 days ago

Once Oscar crosses Cuba on Mon/Tue forecasters will be seeing if Oscar makes a northern turn up the Gulf, wait and see.

Vacationeer14 days ago

What’s up with this Oscar Hurricane. Little chance of making a Florida run?

donaldtoo16 days ago

I, personally, am not keeping a scorecard on who or who hasn’t donated what…that’s their business, not mine, and yet another thing I’m not losing sleep over. It’s just that millions upon millions of dollars to me is unfathomable. I have no more words… :cyclops:

Lilofan16 days ago

Even if TWDC donated millions more a few will still critic it wasn't enough or why execs don't personally donate. Disney isn't the only company meeting this feedback.

plutofan1516 days ago

I am well aware of what you were referring to. I am not defending or criticizing the man. A person has the right to do whatever he or she wants to do with their money. If making it public makes you feel better, that's on you not the individual. For the record, I do not agree with more decisions the company has made recently than I agree with. For whatever that is worth.

Figgy116 days ago

With how upset the latest cash grabs have made people, maybe he should and I was talking about how 2 individuals have equaled or exceeded the corporate donation

plutofan1516 days ago

And yet nobody knows whether Iger has donated or has not donated. Not everybody makes their charitable donations public. Just saying.

Lilofan16 days ago

It won't change the haters that still hate Bob...

Figgy116 days ago

Dolly Parton 3 million, Taylor Swift 5 million. Just saying

donaldtoo17 days ago

His net worth is estimated at over $700 million, so maybe he could chip in a few million more…? I’m not one of those that hate rich people, and, ultimately, it’s none of my business what they do with their money, but $700 million and you can’t donate a few million here and there from time to time…?! It’s not like he’s a spring chicken, and, as they say, you can’t take it with you…!!!!! :hilarious:;):hilarious:

John park hopper17 days ago

It's great Disney is donating 3 million it would be even better if Bob donated 3 million of his 31.6 million salary

DCBaker17 days ago

In a new email, Disney says it's investing $3 million that will be used to assist cast members, the local community and nonprofits aiding in recovery efforts after Hurricane Milton. Here's the email: Florida friends and neighbors, With Hurricane Milton now behind us, we hope that you all made it through the storm safely. We know it was a very challenging event and realize that many of our fellow Floridians are facing difficult circumstances as a result. It’s touching to see so many residents, local businesses and nonprofits stepping up to provide relief to those who need it. We’re especially thankful to our cast members who helped keep our guests and each other safe during the storm and continue to support our community. Like all of you, we are dedicated to helping Florida move forward. Disney is investing $3 million that will be used to assist cast members, the local community and nonprofits aiding in recovery efforts. This is in addition to the thousands of meals delivered to Second Harvest Food Bank and Osceola Council on Aging, as well as donations we made ahead of hurricane season to help Florida nonprofits stock up with supplies that could be used in storm shelters like blankets, sheets, pillows and hygiene products. The Disney Employee Relief Fund has also been activated to assist any Disney employee whose primary home was impacted by the storm, and we’re providing other personalized assistance for cast, including repair services, mental health resources, backup adult and child care, and food, water and ice distribution. As Florida continues to recover, we remain by the side of our extended Disney family and communities across the state. Thank you to all those who have stepped up before, during and after the storm to keep the people and places around us safe. We are proud to serve alongside you.

MisterPenguin18 days ago

Watch out, Disneyland Paris!

jmuboy18 days ago

I noticed this as well. I assume having landscape teams get into the enclosures to clean up and address replanting is a lot more challenging in this attraction for obvious reasons. I would assume the debris will slowly be removed. Also noticed a good amount of bamboo patches in the attraction were impacted which is easy to cut back and let regrow (which it regrows quickly and easily) Some degree of natural destruction and regrowth of vegetation gives this attraction its hyper realistic feel. As opposed to the manicured landscape you typically see at WDW