Hurricane Idalia Caused Disruptions at Many Florida Airports

Hurricane Idalia Snarls Florida Aviation Traffic

With thousands facing power outages, Florida's airports clean up and resume operations

Hurricane Idalia approches Naples Airport — Located well on the fringe of Hurricane Idalia's impact zone, Naples Municipal Airport avoided any substantial damage from the storm. Airport executive director Chris Rozansky, told AIN the facility prepared well in advance for Idalia's arrival, securing hangars and sending non-essential personnel home. He expects to resume normal staffing levels there this afternoon in preparation of increased returning aircraft traffic. (Photo: Naples Airport Authority)

By Curt Epstein • Business Aviation Services Editor

August 30, 2023

Hurricane Idalia made landfall this morning as a Category 3 storm in Florida’s Big Bend region—where the panhandle meets the peninsula on the Gulf Coast—packing strong winds and heavy rain. In addition to causing power outages for hundreds of thousands of residents, Idalia was responsible for airport closures throughout the region.

Venice Municipal Airport (KVNC) closed last night at 8 p.m. but was back in operation this morning, as was Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ), while Tampa International Airport (KTPA) ceased all commercial operations at noon Tuesday. Authorities there today reported that the facility sustained minimal damage from the storm and will begin receiving incoming flights today at 4 p.m., with departing flights and normal operations to resume early Thursday morning. At St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (KPIE), operations ceased at 3 p.m. yesterday and an airport spokesperson told AIN they would resume this afternoon.

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