Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Closed Over Flooding

A massive storm, causing heavy flooding, in and around Florida’s Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is wrecking travel plans this week.

The airport, one of the top 20 busiest airports in the U.S., halted operations on Wednesday afternoon because of heavy rain, wind, and reoccurring tornado warnings for the area. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), up to 14 inches of rainfall fell in the area, causing flash flooding around the airport.

According to FlightAware, more than 100 flights, about a quarter of the airport’s overall schedule, were canceled on Wednesday. As of 8 a.m. on Thursday, 40% of its schedule, 173 total flights, were also canceled. 

On Wednesday afternoon, the main roadways entering and exiting the airport were flooded and became impassable. Officials from the airport warned travelers not to try to enter or leave Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport until the weather improved. Videos on social media showed just how big of a problem the flooding was:

Iconic images “ PART II “from my 8 hours stuck in the Fort Lauderdale airport #fortlauderdale #FLL #airport #flood #ftlauderdale #ftlauderdaleairport pic.twitter.com/Cb8kR3bV3t

— Keyla Alvarado (@keylaalvarado) April 13, 2023

The airport is currently closed until noon on Thursday, April 13, though the upper-level roadway, which serves its departures level, reopened early on Thursday morning to allow for pick-ups. The airport is still alerting travelers to check with their airline before heading to the airport. 

Airline Waivers
A number of airlines issued some waivers for travel through the airport in light of the weather’s impact on operations:

Delta Airlines issued a waiver for travel to, from, or through Ft. Lauderdale on April 13 and 14. Delta’s waiver allows travelers to get a new ticket for travel no later than April 17.

JetBlue is allowing customers who were scheduled through April 13 at Ft. Lauderdale to rebook their flights for travel through April 19. Customers can opt for a new flight or a full refund.

Southwest issued its own waiver for travel on both April 12 and 13. Travel may be rebooked in the original class of service and travel must take place within 14 days of their original travel date between the original city pairs.

Spirit Airlines issued a change fee waiver for those traveling to, from, or through Ft. Lauderdale on Thursday, April 13. Spirit is waiving the modification charge and fare difference through April 19.

United Airlines issued its own change fee and fare difference waiver for travel to, from, or through Ft. Lauderdale through April 13. Travel has to be rebooked for anytime through April 16.