Tampa International Airport (TPA) will suspend all commercial and cargo operations starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday as it braces for the impact of Hurricane Milton. This closure will affect not only domestic airlines but also major international carriers like Air Canada, Aeromexico, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, WestJet, and more. The airport will remain closed until officials can safely assess any damage after the storm passes.
In preparation for the hurricane, Tampa International Airport and its partners are securing aircraft, jet bridges, and ground equipment. The Main Terminal and Airsides will be completely closed to the public, and the airport will not function as a shelter for people or vehicles. Travelers are advised not to park vehicles at the airport, as all parking garages will also close during this suspension.
International Airlines might get affected:
Air Canada: Regularly serving Canadian passengers with flights to and from major Canadian cities.
Aeromexico: Connecting travelers between Tampa and Mexico.
British Airways: Offering direct routes between Tampa and London.
Virgin Atlantic: Providing transatlantic flights to the UK.
WestJet: Operating flights between Tampa and various Canadian destinations.
These international airlines and more will see their operations temporarily halted, disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers. As of 2022 data on an average day, Tampa International Airport handles 292 aircraft departures and serves nearly 59,000 passengers, including many international travelers.
TPA, located in an “A” evacuation zone, will reopen only after a thorough damage assessment. The reopening will depend on coordination with partners, including the TSA, international airlines, and other agencies, to ensure the safety of roadways, facilities, and staff. Any changes to the reopening schedule will be communicated as soon as possible.
Important Reminders for International Travelers:
Contact your airline for the latest flight information and updates on cancellations or rescheduling.
Monitor weather conditions in your area and your destination to stay informed.
Follow @FlyTPA on X (formerly Twitter) for live updates from the airport.
Hurricane Milton is expected to bring catastrophic storm surge, high winds, and heavy rainfall to the Tampa Bay area and Florida’s Gulf Coast, significantly impacting international and domestic travel alike. The storm could cause widespread damage, and officials will only reopen the airport when it is deemed safe to do so.
In 2023, TPA set a record by serving 23.948 million passengers, with projections of 25 million passengers in 2024. The airport offers nonstop international service to over 100 destinations, including key hubs in Canada, Mexico, and Europe. This suspension will affect both regular and seasonal routes for international travelers flying with Air Canada, Aeromexico, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, WestJet, and other carriers.
Tampa International Airport Braces for Hurricane Milton: Suspends All Operations
In anticipation of Hurricane Milton’s destructive impact, Tampa International Airport (TPA) has announced a complete suspension of all commercial and cargo operations. The closure will begin at 9 a.m. on Tuesday and will remain in effect until officials can assess potential damage and ensure safe conditions for reopening. This decision will disrupt not only domestic flights but also operations by major international airlines, including Air Canada, Aeromexico, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, WestJet, and others, leaving travelers stranded as the storm approaches.
Comprehensive Shutdown at Tampa International Airport
As part of its safety measures, TPA and its partners are securing aircraft, jet bridges, and ground equipment. The Main Terminal and Airsides will be entirely closed to the public, and contrary to common practices during natural disasters, the airport will not serve as a shelter for residents, vehicles, or any other refuge-seeking entities. The airport has advised travelers against leaving their cars in the parking garages, which will also shut down during the storm.
International Flights Grounded Amid Closure
The closure of TPA will have a significant impact on international airlines that regularly operate in and out of the airport, leading to cancellations and rescheduling for thousands of passengers. Some of the international carriers affected include:
Air Canada, which provides connections between Tampa and major Canadian cities.
Aeromexico, linking Tampa with Mexico.
British Airways, offering direct flights to and from London.
Virgin Atlantic, serving transatlantic routes to the UK.
WestJet, connecting Tampa with Canadian destinations.
These airlines, along with others operating at TPA, will have to suspend operations for the duration of the storm, leaving many international travelers in a difficult situation. With 292 daily departures and an average of 59,000 passengers passing through its terminals each day, Tampa International is a vital hub for both domestic and international flights. The suspension will impact both regular operations and seasonal services offered by international airlines.
Travelers Advised to Stay Updated
Officials at TPA have issued several warnings and recommendations for international and domestic passengers who may be affected by the impending closure. Travelers are urged to contact their respective airlines for the latest information on flight cancellations and rebooking options. As the storm intensifies, it is essential for passengers to monitor both local weather conditions and updates for their destination.
For real-time information, travelers are encouraged to follow @FlyTPA on X (formerly Twitter) and stay connected with their airline’s customer service team to receive notifications about their flights.
Hurricane Milton’s Potential Impact on Tampa
As Hurricane Milton heads toward Florida’s Gulf Coast, it threatens to bring catastrophic storm surge, powerful winds, and heavy rainfall to the region, including the Tampa Bay area. The storm poses a severe risk to infrastructure and may lead to widespread flooding and power outages, further complicating travel and safety.
TPA, located in an “A” evacuation zone, faces heightened risks due to its proximity to vulnerable coastal areas. While the airport will remain closed for the duration of the storm, it will not reopen until safety officials conduct thorough damage assessments and determine that conditions are safe for staff and passengers alike. The process will involve close coordination with agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), international airlines, and other relevant partners.
Airport’s Safety and Reopening Plan
Airport officials have stressed that the reopening of TPA will be contingent upon a variety of factors, including:
Structural inspections of airport buildings, facilities, and roadways.
Collaboration with airline partners and federal agencies, including TSA and customs services.
Evaluation of ground transportation options to ensure passengers can safely travel to and from the airport.
Officials have emphasized that any adjustments to the reopening timeline will be communicated promptly to the public. This dynamic situation requires flexibility, and passengers should prepare for possible extended delays.
Historical Passenger Traffic and Future Projections
Tampa International has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, setting a record in 2023 by serving 23.948 million passengers. For 2024, the airport projects that this number will increase to 25 million passengers. As one of the busiest airports in the region, TPA offers nonstop service to over 100 destinations worldwide, connecting passengers to major hubs across Canada, Mexico, and Europe. With the upcoming suspension, these routes will face temporary disruptions, impacting both leisure and business travelers.
Impact on International Airlines
For major international airlines, the disruption caused by Hurricane Milton will not only halt current operations but also complicate resumption plans. These airlines depend on a tightly scheduled network of flights to maintain smooth operations. The impact on airlines such as Air Canada, Aeromexico, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and WestJet will be widespread, potentially causing ripple effects across their global operations.
Given the scale of TPA’s international service, the suspension will influence not just regional traffic, but also passengers connecting through Tampa to other international destinations. International airlines, which typically operate on tight schedules, will need to work closely with TPA officials and authorities to reschedule and restore service once the airport reopens.
Critical Reminders for International Travelers
Travelers flying internationally are advised to take several important steps to minimize disruption:
Check with your airline for real-time flight updates, including cancellations or rescheduled flights.
Monitor weather conditions both in Tampa and at your destination to ensure safe travel.
Stay updated with Tampa International’s social media channels for the latest airport-related news.
Preparedness and Patience Are Key
Hurricane Milton’s expected arrival demands patience and preparedness from passengers, airport staff, and airlines alike. While TPA remains committed to maintaining safety as its highest priority, international and domestic travel will be significantly affected in the coming days.
International travelers flying with Air Canada, Aeromexico, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and WestJet should plan accordingly and remain in close contact with their airlines to navigate the storm’s impact.
The airport will continue to provide updates as conditions evolve, ensuring that passengers are kept informed throughout the process. For now, as Hurricane Milton bears down on the Gulf Coast, travelers are urged to take precautions and stay informed during this period of uncertainty.