TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa International Airport (TPA) is set to reopen to the public at 8 a.m. on Friday, October 11th, following a three-day closure due to Hurricane Milton.
Airport staff conducted damage assessments on Thursday and are working to address the impacts of the storm. Roadways are clear, parking garages are in good condition, and the air traffic control tower is fully operational.
Read: Tampa Bay Bridges Reopen After Hurricane Milton, But Caution Urged
Despite the positive news, the airport faces some challenges due to the hurricane’s high winds and heavy rainfall:
- Fuel Depot: The airport’s fuel depot lost power and is currently running on generator power. TECO is working to restore permanent power.
- Damaged Boarding Bridges: Six boarding bridges were damaged by high winds and are being repaired.
- Debris and Leaks: Crews are clearing debris across the airport campus and repairing leaks in the Main Terminal and gate hold areas.
- General Aviation Damage: Signature Flight Support, the airport’s fixed-base operator, sustained significant structural damage, although no aircraft damage has been reported.
Read: Tampa Police Brave Hurricane Milton To Rescue Family Trapped In Damaged Home
While the airport was closed to the public on Thursday, officials worked with partners to facilitate the arrival of emergency relief flights and crew-only commercial aircraft to prepare for Friday morning departures.
TPA is eager to resume normal operations and support the recovery efforts in the Tampa Bay region.
Previous Reporting: As Hurricane Milton moves away from the Tampa Bay region, Tampa International Airport (TPA) is busy assessing the condition of the airfield and facilities to determine when it can safely reopen.
Airport officials are conducting a thorough inspection of the 3,300-acre campus and its buildings. A reopening plan is expected to be announced later today, once the evaluation is complete.
Coordinated Effort
The inspections and damage evaluations are being conducted in close coordination with airport partners, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
READ: Tampa Begins Post-Milton Recovery: Residents Urged To Stay Indoors, Report Damage Online
Recovery Underway
The airport, along with the entire community, is beginning the process of recovering from the impacts of Hurricane Milton. The historically powerful storm forced large-scale evacuations and caused damage across the region.
TPA is eager to resume operations and play its part in the recovery efforts. “We know that a functioning airport is vital to the community, especially during times like these,” the spokesperson added.
Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for flight status updates and to monitor TPA’s official channels for the latest information on the reopening plan.
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