As Hurricane Milton draws closer to Florida, the aviation industry has had to contend with its impact.
The hurricane is forecast to make landfall on the Tampa Bay area on the Florida Gulf Coast late into the night of October 9, 2024, according to the National Hurricane Centre. The "catastrophic" and "dangerous major" hurricane was given a category five rating, the highest on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale with winds reaching as high as 180 mph. It was later lowered to a category four hurricane as the day progressed.
Devastating impacts are anticipated for the Florida Gulf Coast, with the National Hurricane Centre warned of "extremely life-threatening" storm surges in the area. Over a million people have been ordered to evacuate.
American Airlines added over 4,000 seats to assist residents rushing to escape the storm.
"[American] will operate multiple additional flights with more than 2,000 seats late October 8," the airline read in a statement on October 8. "This is in addition to the more than 2,000 seats American operated out of Tampa International Airport and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport [on October 7]."
By the evening of October 8, 2024, it had suspended operations at six airports.
"American is evaluating its operations at other airports in the region, including at the Miami International Airport (MIA) hub, based on the latest weather forecast," it continued.
The airline, along with Delta, Southwest, and United had all issued waivers for customers who booked flights in and out of Florida airports.
Users on social media have accused these airlines of price gouging. However, the Associated Press reported that airlines have insisted they have capped fares.
US President Joe Biden had called on airlines to assist those evacuating and refrain from unfair prices in a briefing regarding the hurricane.
"I’m calling on the airlines and other companies to provide as much service as possible to accommodate evacuations, and not to engage in price gouging," said Biden.
According to data from aviation analytics Cirium, around 853 departures from Florida were cancelled on October 9 (11:57 BST), equating to 47% of all scheduled departures in the state. In addition, around 887 arrival flights were cancelled, equating to 49% of all scheduled arrivals.
Some 264 Florida departures were cancelled a day prior, equating to 16% of all scheduled departures. Around 372 arrival flights were cancelled, amounting to 22% of all scheduled arrivals in the region.
Aside from airlines ceasing operations and airport closures, popular tourist spots in the region such as Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando have announced closures. Cruise operators have adjusted certain schedules as Hurricane Milton descends upon Florida.