Post Hurricane Irma, Florida’s Airports Are Open for Business
by Cheryl Rosen /
Like the state itself, Florida’s airports are coming back to life today, two days after Hurricane Irma devastated the state.
Here is the situation at airports around the state:
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Fort Lauderdale opened on Tuesday morning. There are still only limited flight schedules. Travelers should check with their airline before heading to the airport.
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
The airport is expecting flights to resume Tuesday morning, with operations ramping up throughout the day. It expects a normal schedule of 160 daily flights by Wednesday.
Miami International Airport (MIA)
At the state's main international hub, about 30% of the 1,000 daily flights that usually arrive and depart are scheduled to resume on Tuesday, Sept. 12. American Airlines flight 1070 from Seattle was the first flight in four days to touch down, just after 7 a.m. on Tuesday. It was followed by a wave of flights from South America.
Outbound flights are another issue, as so many planes are parked outside Florida. All passengers are advised to verify a confirmed seat assignment with their individual airline before arriving at the airport. British Airways is planning to depart this afternoon for Heathrow as scheduled at 1:45 p.m.
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
There is water in the main terminal, torn canopies on the departure and arrival curbs, and debris on the airport roads, but the airport is expecting limited service to resume on Tuesday.
Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB)
Orlando opened its passenger terminal and TSA security lines on Tuesday morning.
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
The airport opened on Monday, but just one flight took off. Limited service will resume on Tuesday.
Southwest Florida International Airport, Fort Myers (RSW)
Power was restored to the airport on Tuesday, and airport officials will meet with the airlines later this morning to discuss when flights can begin again.
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Flights are expected to resume on Tuesday morning, but only about 30% of the normal schedule of 400 daily flights will be operating.