As Hurricane Milton barrels towards Florida's Gulf Coast, cruise lines and airports are bracing for significant disruptions. With its anticipated landfall early Thursday, the storm has prompted preemptive measures across the state.

Cruise Line Adjustments

In preparation for Hurricane Milton's impact, cruise lines have adjusted the itineraries of 10 ships, primarily from Royal Caribbean, slated to navigate through the affected regions. Port Canaveral faces potential closure, threatening the arrival schedules of approximately six ships expected Thursday and Friday. Popular attractions like Legoland Florida and Busch Gardens Tampa have announced closures spanning Wednesday through Thursday, underscoring the storm's widespread implications.

Airport Preparations and Closures

Flight operations across Florida are also severely impacted. St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport has preemptively canceled all flights for Wednesday and Thursday, citing its location in a mandatory evacuation zone. Tampa International Airport plans to suspend operations starting Tuesday morning, with updates communicated via social media channels.

Other major airports, including Orlando International, Southwest Florida International, and Sarasota Bradenton International, have announced closures from Wednesday onwards. Meanwhile, Miami International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International remain open but advise passengers to monitor their flight statuses closely due to expected weather impacts.

Airlines' Response

Major airlines have issued flexible rebooking options for affected passengers, acknowledging the disruptive potential of Hurricane Milton's trajectory across central Florida and its anticipated course into the Atlantic Ocean.

As the situation evolves, local authorities and service providers continue to monitor developments closely, emphasizing safety and preparedness as paramount during this challenging weather event.

For ongoing updates and advisories, travelers are urged to follow official announcements from airlines and local authorities.

Which Florida airports are open and closed?
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) will close Tuesday after the last flight leaves until further notice. 
Tampa International Airport (TPA) closed Tuesday and that it will provide any updates on social media.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) said it will suspend commercial operations at 8 a.m. Wednesday.
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) said no commercial flights will operate Wednesday and Thursday.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) said it will close at 4 p.m. Tuesday until further notice.
Miami International Airport (MIA) said Monday that it was open and monitoring Hurricane Milton. It encouraged travelers to confirm their flight status with their airline.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) said on Monday that it remained open and was monitoring the storm for inclement weather that was likely to impact the region.
Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) said it was open and operational Tuesday. "We will announce any change in operations on social media and on our website at pbia.org," it said.
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) said it would remain open as long as airlines are operating.