As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida’s west coast, the state is grappling with widespread disruptions affecting both the travel and entertainment sectors. With sustained winds reaching up to 145 miles per hour, this Category 4 hurricane is projected to make landfall on Wednesday, prompting drastic measures from airlines, theme parks, and cruise lines to mitigate impacts on safety and operations.
The impending storm has led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights across Florida, significantly impacting the air travel industry. Tampa International Airport announced a temporary suspension of its operations, halting all flights as of 9 a.m. ET on Tuesday. The airport stated that it would remain closed until conditions become safe for resumption. Similarly, Orlando International Airport is set to shut down early Wednesday morning, exacerbating travel challenges for commuters and tourists alike.
Data from FlightAware indicates that Southwest Airlines has canceled a staggering 402 flights from its Orlando schedule alone, representing roughly 85% of the flights that were originally planned for Wednesday. Additional cancellations were heavily reported at both Tampa and Southwest Florida International Airports, as carriers prioritize passenger safety. In a show of solidarity with affected travelers, major airlines, including American Airlines and United Airlines, are waiving change fees and making adjustments to their flight schedules, adding extra routes for those seeking to escape Florida before the storm hits.
In light of the hurricane’s threatening path, many of Florida’s renowned theme parks have taken precautionary measures. Disney has decided to temporarily close several facilities, including the Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground and the Copper Creek Cabins at their Wilderness Lodge, starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Meanwhile, there’s a notable absence of immediate operational changes at Universal Orlando, although the park is guiding guests to stay informed through regular updates on its website.
Other parks are not as fortunate; Busch Gardens Tampa has confirmed closures from Tuesday through Thursday. SeaWorld Orlando remains operational; however, officials are closely monitoring the storm and may alter schedules if the situation escalates. Such closures not only affect tourism but also have financial repercussions for the businesses dependent on visitors during peak season.
In addition to the turmoil in air travel and theme parks, cruise lines are also taking preemptive steps against Hurricane Milton. Carnival Cruise Line issued warnings that ports in Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami are projected to close due to the storm. This development has compelled the company to adjust routes and modify destinations to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members.
As Hurricane Milton approaches, Floridians are left to grapple with the uncertainty of the evolving situation. With more than 50 counties currently under a state of emergency, the collective response from airlines, theme parks, and cruise lines highlights the severity of natural disasters and their far-reaching impacts on everyday life. For residents and travelers alike, the key now lies in prioritizing safety and staying informed as circumstances develop.