Hurricane Milton is currently wreaking havoc on flight schedules across the United States, with a significant increase in cancellations expected for Thursday. According to data from FlightAware, Wednesday has seen the highest number of flight cancellations in nearly two months, with over 1,800 flights canceled on both Wednesday and Thursday.
The primary reason for these cancellations is the closure of several airports in the path of Hurricane Milton. Orlando International Airport shut down at 8 a.m. ET on Wednesday, while Sarasota Bradenton, St. Petersburg-Clearwater, and Southwest Florida airports closed their doors on Tuesday evening. Tampa International Airport followed suit on Tuesday morning.
Airlines with extensive schedules in Florida have been hit the hardest by the storm. Spirit Airlines and JetBlue have each canceled approximately 20% of their Wednesday flights, while Southwest Airlines has had to cancel more than 10% of its flights for the day.
The impact of Hurricane Milton on air travel is significant, with passengers facing widespread disruptions and delays. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates and to make alternative arrangements if necessary.
