Travelers Brace for Hurricane Milton: Airlines, Theme Parks, and Cruise Lines Adjust Plans

With Hurricane Milton rapidly approaching Florida’s west coast, travel plans across the region are being significantly disrupted. The Category 4 storm, carrying winds of up to 145 mph, has triggered widespread cancellations, route changes, and closures as airlines, theme parks, and cruise lines prepare for its anticipated landfall on Wednesday.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency across more than 50 counties, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) warning that Hurricane Milton is expected to hit Florida’s west coast with dangerous force.

Airports are taking precautionary measures, with Tampa International Airport suspending operations early on Tuesday, stating that it will “reopen when safe to do so.” Orlando International Airport, a major hub, announced it will close by 8 a.m. on Wednesday. Southwest Airlines, which accounts for a significant portion of flights in and out of Orlando, has already canceled 402 flights for Wednesday. FlightAware reports that over 85% of flights at Orlando International Airport have been grounded for the day, with many more cancellations at Tampa and Southwest Florida International airports.

Theme parks are also responding to the storm. Busch Gardens Tampa will be closed from Tuesday through Thursday, while SeaWorld Orlando remains open for the time being but continues to monitor Hurricane Milton’s path closely.

Cruise lines have been proactive as well, with Carnival informing passengers that ports in Jacksonville, Tampa, and Miami are likely to close. As a result, several routes and destinations have been altered to steer clear of the storm’s impact.

As Hurricane Milton nears, travelers and local residents are urged to stay informed and adjust plans accordingly, with further disruptions expected in the coming days.