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Hurricane Milton Update 3: Commercial Operations Ceased at Orlando International

Press Release
A rare sight of the West Checkpoints, which are empty until the airport resumes operations
A rare sight of the West Checkpoints, which are empty until the airport resumes operations
Law enforcement officers walk through Terminal A at Orlando International Airport shortly after the last passenger flight
Law enforcement officers walk through Terminal A at Orlando International Airport shortly after the last passenger flight

ORLANDO, Fla. – As of 8 a.m. today, Orlando International Airport (MCO) ceased commercial operations in preparation of Hurricane Milton.

Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) ceased operations as of 10 p.m. Tuesday, October 8. While operations have ceased, the airports are not closed and will remain open to accept emergency aid and relief flights as necessary. Both airports will reopen as soon as possible based on damage assessment.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which manages and operates both MCO and ORL, continues to stress safety. The following is MCO’s status:

  • A total of 806 passenger flights have been impacted today due to ceasing commercial operations.
  • The last passenger flight to leave was at 8:02 a.m. with Detroit as the destination. The last cargo flight was at 9:05 a.m.
  • Hurricane preparations continue throughout the facility, including securing the Gate Link and Terminal Link trams to and from the airsides, Terminal C and the Train Station.
  • All non-essential airport personnel who are not on the ride-out crew have been sent home.
  • The Emergency Operations Center is at a Level 1, the highest activation.
  • Communications with city, county and state emergency management officials and the National Weather Service in Melbourne are ongoing.

GOAA wants to remind the public that MCO is not an authorized shelter. The airport cannot accommodate local residents during severe weather events. We will continue to monitor the storm and provide additional updates as needed.