Summary
- Tampa International Airport will be closed from Tuesday to assess damages after Tropical Storm Idalia passes, with a potential reopening on Thursday.
- The storm is expected to be classified as a category three hurricane once it makes landfall.
- The airport prioritizes the safety of its employees and travelers, and it is not equipped to function as an emergency shelter. Passengers are advised to contact their airlines and make appropriate accommodations.
Along the Florida Gulf Coast, residents and Tampa International are battening down the hatches in preparation for Tropical Storm Idalia, with the airport noting it will remain closed from Tuesday to assess damages once the storm passes. The closure has allowed the airport and its stakeholders to secure jetbridges and ground equipment and remove any remaining aircraft in preparation for Idalia's expected landfall, due early on Wednesday.
Several cargo services and private aircraft could operate overnight with all passenger operations suspended. However, all traffic ceased by 07:00 on Tuesday morning. Furthermore, the terminal and airside will remain closed, and as noted by the airport, it is not equipped to function as an emergency shelter if requested.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is expected to reopen on Thursday morning, subject to the storm's strength. Once the storm has passed, the airport will closely coordinate the reopening and damage assessment. It has advised that it will update the public on various social media outlets.
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Protecting the airport and its employees
The airport Executive Vice President of Operations and Customer Service, John Tiliacos, noted the decision to suspend operations at Tampa came after 'extensive conversations' with the National Weather Service and reiterated that the airport and its employee's safety must come first.
"We've been closely monitoring Tropical Storm Idalia and possible impacts expected in our region – more specifically to our airport," Tiliacos said. "Right now, our No. 1 priority is protecting our airport employees, our travelers, and our terminal and airfield facilities. TPA will closely coordinate the reopening of the Airport with its partners based on roadway safety, facility readiness, and staffing. Any changes to the timing will be promptly communicated."
Passengers with travel plans to/from Tampa in the coming days have been encouraged to speak with their respective airlines and to not come to the airport until it re-opened. As this story notes, the airport cannot be used as an evacuation shelter, so those requiring accommodations are encouraged to plan accordingly.
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Category 3 hurricane
Tropical Storm Idalia is expected to strengthen as it hits the shores of the Gulf Coast on Wednesday, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surges. Tampa Bay and the Big Bend region are under severe tropical storm warnings and are expected to see flash flooding and destructive winds.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis noted that after a conversation with President Biden on Monday, an emergency declaration was approved for the state, freeing up federal resources to help with a response. The state guard has activated 5,500 members and staging 200,000 gallons of fuel to prepare for urban search and rescue if needed.
Sources: Tampa Airport