Updated on 09/04/19:
Orlando International Airport (MCO) will resume commercial operations at noon today.
The early-morning decision was made after airport management consulted the National Weather Service (NWS) about prospective wind and weather conditions.
Noon was determined to be the earliest time Orlando International could reasonably resume normal operations, allowing time for damage assessment, sweeping the airfield for debris, security preparations, staff call backs for airport and federal agency employees and preparations for ground service equipment.
Employees should contact their managers for further direction.
Air carriers will begin phasing of flight operations beginning later this afternoon.
For more than a week, airport leaders, air carriers and federal agencies monitored the dangerous Hurricane Dorian as it churned through the Atlantic and began moving toward the Florida peninsula.
Passengers should contact their airlines prior to arriving at the airport to ensure their flights are available.
Thank You,
MCO Airport Communications
Updated on 09/02/19:
HURRICANE DORIAN FORECAST TRACK FORCES CEASING OF OPERATIONS AT ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The National Weather Service has placed the Central Florida region under a Tropical Storm Warning which means Orlando International Airport could see sustained tropical storm winds of between 40-45 miles per hour which prevents the safe operation of automated people mover systems and places first responders in harm’s way when responding to emergency situations.
As a result of the warning, Orlando International Airport will cease commercial operations at 2 a.m. on Tuesday, September 3, 2019.
In close consultation with the National Weather Service, airlines and airport stakeholders, airport leadership has determined it is in the best interest of the Orlando International Airport passengers and employees to cease operations. Hurricane Dorian is dangerously close to the East Central Florida coast and sustained tropical force winds are forecasted to impact portions of Orange County as early as tomorrow afternoon. A slight fluctuation westward by the storm could bring those tropical storm winds to all of Orange County. Because of the uncertainty of the storm’s track and the need to complete storm preparations by airport and air carriers, airport executive leadership has determined ceasing commercial operations is necessary.
Passengers are encouraged to contact their individual airlines for changes to flight schedules.
Employees are encouraged to stay in contact with their managers.
Travelers are also advised to make individual shelter and lodging accommodations prior to arriving at the airport because ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IS NOT A SHELTER. Passengers attempting to shelter at MCO will be bused to an approved Orange County location.
Updated on 8/31/19:
MCO will continue to operate on Monday, September 2, 2019. Storm conditions will be closely monitored with a focus on ensuring passenger and employee safety.
The latest updates show that Hurricane Dorian has changed its path and continues to be a powerful and unpredictable storm.
The airport’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will continue 24-hour-a-day monitoring of Hurricane Dorian and airport leaders will work with industry partners to determine if any further adjustments to airport operations’ plans are necessary.
Passengers are advised to contact their airlines and rental car companies directly for individual flight and rental car information.
Posted on 8/30/19:
Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) executive leadership and emergency management leaders met with airline officials, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Air Traffic Control Tower representatives, concessionaires, construction teams, Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport representatives, rental car companies, baggage handling firms, authority staff and other airport stakeholders this afternoon to continue ongoing discussions about airport operations prior to Hurricane Dorian’s arrival. After the meeting it was determined by general consensus that, out of an abundance of caution, Orlando International Airport would cease commercial flight operations on Monday morning, September 2, 2019 at 2 a.m.
Passengers should check with individual airlines for flight information and schedules.
Employees should contact their managers for additional information.
Thank You,
MCO Airport Communications