Just Days After The Storm, Airport At Near-Full Operations

Tampa International Airport (KTPA) closed to the public before Hurricane Milton hit the Gulf coast of South Florida, but only days later it is back to a full operational schedule of airline and cargo flights, the airport is working without issues, and TSA checkpoints are running smoothly.

Retail spaces and restaurants inside the airport are all open, though some are running short on some products and may not be open their normal hours. Parking garages and the Rental Car Center sustained no damage and are fully open.

TSA had suspended all flights at 9 a.m. on October 8 ahead of the storm, which made landfall the next day as a Category 3 hurricane. It came over land about 50 miles south of TPA near Siesta Key.

John Tiliacos, TPA Executive Vice President of Operations and Customer Service said, “Thanks to careful planning, preparation, and execution ahead of this historic hurricane, Tampa International Airport was able to rapidly rebound to serve the needs of this region and state, as well as our travelers.

He added, “TPA plans and practices in anticipation of these storms all year, and that effort has served us well in recovering first from Helene and now Milton. This quick response is also thanks to the close partnership and collaboration with our many partners, including the National Weather Service, the FAA , TSA, and U.S. Customs & Border Protection.”

The airport was not without damage, as high winds and heavy rains damaged several jet bridges, the ninth level of Short Term Parking garage, and a shuttle guideway. There was also some water inside the Main Terminal and Airsides, but out on the airfield the copious amount of water receded quickly. There was some damage to the General Aviation area but no details were available.

FMI:  news.tampaairport.com/