ICYMI: Orlando International Airport Ceases Operations Due To Hurricane Irma
By Hurricane Irma Updates // September 10, 2017
Irma cancels all flights at country’s 13th busiest airport
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – The Orlando International Airport (MCO) has ceased all commercial flight operations as of 5 p.m. Saturday, September 9, 2017.
“Orlando International Airport and Orlando Executive Airport are prepared for Hurricane Irma,” says Phil Brown, Executive Director of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
“We have taken all of the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our passengers and employees. Our facilities are braced and ready for Irma’s impact.”
Because Orlando International is NOT a hurricane shelter, a total of 51 stranded passengers have been transported by Lynx to an authorized Red Cross shelter to weather the storm.
As a precautionary measure and the impact of potential water level increases, Heintzelman Boulevard from Cargo Road to Southbound Jeff Fuqua Blvd will be closed until further notice.
MCO will not reopen to passenger traffic until after Hurricane Irma has passed, a damage assessment has been completed, necessary recovery efforts made and the airlines are consulted to determine when best to resume operations.
Airlines are preparing their recovery schedules which may take several days to execute.
Parking garages are at capacity and may take an extended period of time to empty and allow arriving passengers to park. So it is imperative that travelers have confirmed departure information prior to arriving at MCO.
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Passengers should consult their airlines prior to arriving at Orlando International Airport in order to avoid extended wait times.
Travelers should not come to the airport until after they contact their individual airlines and confirm a seat for a new flight. (Because of expected volumes it is easier to confirm seats online than at the ticket counters)
All airlines serving MCO and their contact information are posted on our website at www.orlandoairports.net.
Orlando International will gradually phase-in operations. Not all flights or airlines will be operational immediately.
