26
September
2022
|
18:22 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

Tampa International Airport prepares for potential severe impacts from Hurricane Ian

UPDATE:  9/27/22  9:00 a.m.

Tampa International Airport holds a news conference to discuss tonight's 5:00 p.m. suspension of flight operations along with ongoing storm preps and recovery planning.  Click on the video above to watch.

VIDEO LINK: https://flytpa.box.com/s/j5qeu9uijn7rlo61jfjhanbxrahr579c

Speakers are:

  • Joe Lopano, Tampa International Airport CEO  (he is wearing the TPA hat)
  • John Tiliacos, EVP of Operations and Customer Service

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UPDATE: 9/26/22 at 9:15 p.m.

Tampa International Airport will suspend all operations beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 27 due to Hurricane Ian, which continues to threaten the Tampa Bay region with strong winds, heavy rain and storm surge.

The 5 p.m. closure will allow the Airport to prepare the airfield and terminals, including the securing of jet bridges, ground equipment, and any remaining aircraft. The Airport, including the Main Terminal, Airsides, and parking garages will be closed to all visitors at that time.

Damage assessments will begin as soon as it is safe to do so. TPA will closely coordinate the reopening of the airport with its partners based on roadway safety, facility readiness, and staffing.

 

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9/26/22 at  11:00 a.m.

As much of the west coast of Florida and Tampa Bay area braces for high winds and storm surge from the approaching storm, Tampa International Airport remains operational as it makes its own preparations.

The Airport may begin shutting down parts of its airfield and facilities late Tuesday as expected Hurricane Ian impacts and wind speeds increase and weather becomes more severe. At 40 mph sustained winds, TPA will see minimal activity, with the airside shuttles and SkyConnect stopping or reducing in frequency. At 50 mph sustained winds, all Airport operations stop.

While TPA is in an evacuation zone, as critical infrastructure, the Airport is exempt from the storm evacuation order and will stay open until a closure is necessary. The Hillsborough County Aviation Authority, which operates TPA and three General Aviation airports, remains in close coordination with the National Weather Service, our airlines and other airport partners, and will give travelers and the community as much notice as possible when that determination is made.

As a reminder, the Airport is not a shelter and does not have the resources to shelter people or vehicles during a storm. For a list of open shelters in Hillsborough County, visit: https://hcflgov.net/staysafe

Passengers should get their latest flight schedule information directly from their airlines, which make their own determination about schedule changes. The public may also access data from FlightAware to keep an eye on flight operations.

As always, TPA will post the most accurate and timely information regarding overall Airport operations on Twitter at @FlyTPA.

Media are advised to email Communications@TampaAirport.com for inquiries to TPA Communications.