Tampa International Airport will shut down at 12:01 AM Tuesday in anticipation of Tropical Storm Idalia. The airport has announced that all commercial flights will be suspended until further notice. The decision to close the airport was made after extensive conversations with the National Weather Service and is intended to protect the airport's employees, travelers, and facilities.
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Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to become a major hurricane before making landfall this week somewhere along Florida's west coast. The airport is closing early to secure jet bridges, equipment, and aircraft before the storm is expected to hit on Wednesday. Some private and cargo flights will continue flying early Tuesday morning, but all air traffic will stop by 7 a.m.
The airport is not equipped to function as an emergency shelter and will be closed to visitors. Tampa International said it expects to reopen on Thursday morning but could stay closed longer depending on when officials can assess storm damages or if road closures are prevented.
Passengers with travel plans to/from Tampa in the coming days have been encouraged to speak with their respective airlines and not come to the airport until it re-opens⁴. Those requiring accommodations are encouraged to plan accordingly as the airport cannot be used as an evacuation shelter. Stay safe and stay informed as Tropical Storm Idalia approaches Florida's Gulf Coast.