Orlando Airport Closing Friday - Noon

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ORLANDO, FL – Hurricane Frances is expected to impact flight operations at Orlando International Airport. As a result, the air carriers have agreed to cease passenger flights at noon on Friday, September 3, 2004. High wind conditions are expected to affect transport of passengers between the main terminal and airline gate areas via the automated people mover system.

Additionally, please be aware that:

Domestic passengers holding reservations for flights prior to noon on Friday, September 3 2004, need to arrive 3 hours prior to their departure.
For further information on flight schedules up that time, please contact the airline directly.
The Hyatt Hotel at Orlando International Airport is booked and sold out.
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority continues to implement its response plan for handling the effects of the hurricane. The plan includes, but is not limited to:

Coordinating with local and state emergency management agencies.
Coordinating with all airlines and tenants
Securing of construction equipment and tenant activities
Securing of aircraft jet-bridges and all loose items in ramp areas
Sandbag preparations and placement
Normal flight operations will resume when weather permits and clean up operations are completed. Orlando International Airport is not an emergency shelter.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

A reporter at MCO, according to Florida Today, described the scene as quite chaotic. Apparently many of the computers were down earlier and delays are running at 1 1/2 hours.

Melbourne (MLB) is closing after the last scheduled flight tonight and they're locking the doors after that.

West Palm Beach (PBI) is staying open until winds reach 45mph.

Patrick Air Force Base (on the barrier island just south of Cocoa Beach) is evacuating all their aircraft to Dobbins ARB outside of Atlanta. Their personnel are being asked to evacuate on their own. Moody AFB is south Georgia has made arrangements to receive them.

 

[aeryncrichton]

They may not want to come here though...

Frances is heading here Tues...

 

[dclwdwlover]

Dave,
What about Ft. Lauderdale airport?

 

[arizonacolbys]

Does anyone know about the Tampa airport? I know it's on the other coast - but, heard it was getting windy yesterday.