After ing through Cuba and heading towards the west coast of Florida, the hurricane ian gained strength (category 4) and caused the main theme parks and airports in the region to totally or partially cease their activities.
Including the closure of the Orlando airport, other airports in the vicinity of the Tampa region have announced closures due to the weather event, Miami airport, for example, has issued a note on the high number of cancellations, as well as additional information from the terminals in the around Florida and emergency locations.
Orlando airport, one of the main entrances for Brazilian tourists in the United States, announced that it will be temporarily closed until next Friday (30/9).
In a statement, Orlando airport said it had partially closed its operations and that internal and external measures had been taken to evacuate the terminal.
“As of 10:30 am (local time) today, all enger flights departed from Orlando International Airport in anticipation of the arrival of Hurricane Ian has ceased commercial operations at the airport; however, the airport is not closed. The airport will remain open to accept emergency/relief and relief flights if necessary. Safety remains a priority.” announced a spokesman for the terminal
The following activities are in effect at the Orlando airport:
- The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is in full activation
- The jet bridges are tied
- Ticket counters have been covered for safety and security
- Several daily communications with local, state, and federal emergency management officials are ongoing.
- The public is reminded that Orlando International Airport is not an authorized shelter. Anyone arriving at the airport will be taken to an approved shelter.
- Commercial operations are expected to resume on Friday, pending an assessment of damage to airport property and restoration as needed. The Authority will continue to monitor the storm and provide additional updates as needed.
Disney, Universal and other parks also announced closures during Wednesday and Thursday. Entertainment and leisure centers such as SeaWorld and Legoland are also closed, as announced by the O Globo portal.
With nearly 3.000 flights affected for the state of Florida alone, major airlines affected such as American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines announced the waiver of rebooking and cancellation fees for affected flights.
Until Hurricane Ian hit, many airports and aircraft operators transferred aircraft to other states, including redirecting flights to safe terminals. There are also reports of a lack of water and supplies in some supermarkets in the region.
With information: The Globe
