TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa International Airport (TPA) will temporarily suspend all commercial and cargo operations starting at 2 a.m. on Thursday, September 26th, in anticipation of Hurricane Helene. The airport will remain closed to the public until a thorough damage assessment can be conducted after the storm passes.
The closure will allow TPA and its partners to secure the airfield and terminals, including jet bridges, ground equipment, and any remaining aircraft. Three other public airports managed by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority – Peter O. Knight, Tampa Executive, and Plant City Airports – will also close at the same time.
Read: Hurricane Helene Intensifies As It Heads To Florida, DeSantis Urges Final Preparations
TPA reminds the public that the airport, including the Main Terminal and Airsides, will not be accessible and is not equipped to serve as a shelter for people or vehicles.
The airport anticipates reopening on Friday after a damage assessment, which will begin as soon as it is safe. The reopening will be coordinated with partners like the Transportation Security Administration and airlines, considering factors like roadway safety, facility readiness, and staffing. Any changes to the reopening timeline will be communicated promptly.
Important reminders for passengers:
- Contact your airline directly for the latest flight information.
- Stay informed about weather forecasts for your area and any travel destinations.
- Follow TPA’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, @FlyTPA, for the most up-to-date information.
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