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Some Central Florida airports reopen Tuesday

Published  September 11, 2017 11:30pm EDT
News
FOX 35 Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Orlando International Airport (OIA) is usually a bustling place, but some 24 hours after Hurricane Irma passed through Central Florida, there is hardly a soul.  The security area is shutdown due to damage from the storm.

Crews spent Monday fixing canopies which provide shelter for shuttle passengers. They were also picking up tree branches and repairing areas that received water damage.

"You could hear the windows above rattling last night, and so that kept us up most of the night," said Cassandra Torres and her family, who evacuated to the airport hotel and have never seen OIA so desolate. "Like they have it all boarded up, it's weird to see this empty."

"The airlines won't be able to have a full complete schedule, in fact some of the airlines won't be flying tomorrow, some on Wednesday."

OIA Executive Director Phil Brown says airlines won't be able to handle their normal flight schedule, because many of the employees were also affected by Hurricane Irma.

"We're in the process of bringing the airport up for commercial service operations, it's gonna be a limited schedule. The airlines aren't going to be able to do a full schedule, so consequently people that want to rebook should try to rebook online."

OIA will officially open on Tuesday. They are asking passengers not to come to the airport, unless they get their seat confirmation a head of time.

Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB) will also open on Tuesday at 6:30 a.m.  The airfield is ready to accept air service, according airport spokesperson Lauren Rowe.  

"Passengers should still check with their airline for updates on flight departures and delays," Rowe added. 

Orlando Melbourne International Airport (MLB) is expected to open at 8 a.m. on Tuesday morning.  The airport team is working hard to facilitate emergency operations while making necessary repairs. 

"The main runway appears to be in acceptable shape and the airfield has drained nicely.  The airport restaurant crew has been busy preparing meals for local shelters and feeding first responders positioned at MLB," said spokesperson Lori C. Booker.

As with passengers at the other regional airports, those at SLB are urged to contact their airlines and rental car companies for the most up-to-date information.