TPA announces reopening plans Friday morning

Tampa International Airport is working with its partners, including the FAA, TSA and airlines, to attempt to reopen to the public at 8 a.m. Friday after a three-day flight suspension due to Hurricane Milton. However, the Category 3 storm's extreme wind gusts and heavy rainfall affected several areas of the airport property that require repairs. Airport partners are also assessing staffing levels following one of the largest evacuation events in Tampa Bay's recent history.

The airport currently remains closed to the public while cleanup and repairs continue. Encouraging findings from the reviews include:

• The streets are clear and the parking garages are open and in good condition
• The FAA reports that the air traffic control tower is ready for full operations
• The city of Tampa confirmed there are no sewage issues at the airport
• There was no significant damage to the airport rescue and fire extinguishing station

Some of the challenges currently facing the airport include:

• TPA's tank farm has lost power but is running on generator power while TECO is on site assisting with permanent repairs.
• Six passenger boarding bridges, which carry passengers from the airside to aircraft, were damaged by strong winds.
• Crews are still clearing debris across campus and repairing leaks in parts of the main terminal and some gate waiting areas.
• Signature, the fixed-line general aviation operator, has significant structural damage, but no aircraft damage has been reported.

TPA is working to allow emergency relief flights to arrive this afternoon and crew-only commercial aircraft this evening so airlines can be prepared for departure in the morning. If reopening plans need to change, TPA will communicate immediately via TampaAirport.com and social media. Passengers should check with their airline for the latest flight information.

Follow @FlyTPA on X (formerly Twitter) for the latest updates.

Media inquiries ONLY: To reach TPA's communications team, send an email [email protected]