Recovering from Hurricane Ian: When will Florida airports reopen?

Many Florida airports reopen after Hurricane Ian

Tampa International Airport has been eerily empty the last few days, but all that has changed. The airport and others across Florida have reopened.

TAMPA, Fla. - Several airports across Florida closed because of the threat from Hurricane Ian.

Hundreds of aircraft were cleared out ahead of the storm and will now need to be brought back. Many airports are reopening as soon as Friday.

Some airlines may also add relief flights over the weekend to help with thousands of cancelations caused by Ian. If you're planning to fly, check with your airline for the latest information on flight status.

Here's what to know:

Tampa International Airport (TPA)

TPA reopened Friday, three days after shutting down as Hurricane Ian approached the west coast of Florida.

The announcement comes after maintenance and operations staff inspected the airfield and facilities Thursday morning and determined the airport did not sustain any serious damage from the storm.

A man walks through the baggage claim area at Tampa International Airport before the airport is due to close at 17h00EDT (21h00GMT) ahead of Hurricane Ian on September 27, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Bryan R. Smith / AFP) (Photo by BRYAN R. SMI

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Airport officials said they're expecting high passenger volumes and advise those with a flight Friday to arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure.

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE)

PIE officials said they also reopened Friday morning. PIE's last flight took off at 11:22 a.m. Tuesday, with the airport's terminal building shutting down at 1 p.m. that day due to Pinellas County's evacuation mandates.

On Thursday morning, airport officials said the facility suffered no significant damage from the storm and announced their plans to reopen Friday in coordination with TSA, airlines, and tenants.

Those traveling specifically with Allegiant Airlines were told to call 702-473-2601, but were warned to anticipate higher than normal call volume. Passengers can also manage travel on the Allegiant Airlines website.

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)

SRQ reopened Friday morning.

The airport lost a large section of the roof to its blue terminal, which created a big mess for crews to clean up after rainwater, ceiling tiles, and other debris fell into the ticketing area.

Sarasota International Airport sustains roof, water damage due to Hurricane Ian

Hurricane Ian's winds ripped off a flexible membrane of the Sarasota airport's roof, causing water damage inside the building. Airport officials say cleanup is already underway and they are hoping to reopen by Saturday at the latest.

MORE: Sarasota Bradenton International Airport aims to reopen by weekend after roof, water damage

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

MCO reopened at noon, Friday, Sept. 30. They are asked passengers not to arrive before 10 a.m.

The decision was made after investigating for any property damage. The airport ceased commercial operations on Wednesday.

Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB)

Normal operations resumed 6 a.m. Friday at MLB. The decision was made after a damage assessment on Thursday.

Airport officials closed to the public on Wednesday, Sept. 28.

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)

JAX reopened at 7 a.m. Friday, Sept. 30 with limited food service. Airport officials said some airlines will be operating on reduced scheduled, so they are asking passengers to double check their flight status.

The airport announced Wednesday they were canceling flights for Thursday, Sept. 29.

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

RSW will remain closed until further notice, except for emergency personnel and humanitarian flights. Officials said when power and water is restored, they will open for commercial flights.

They initially ceased operations on Tuesday, Sept. 27.

Punta Gorda Airport (PGD)

PGD is open for air traffic but not commercial flights, report WGCU. Officials said there is some damage to hangars and some cars. A few planes were also flipped over following Irma.