Just days into the 2025 hurricane season, Tampa International Airport officials say the facility is ready to respond swiftly if tropical weather threatens the region.

Much of this year’s preparedness is based on lessons learned from last year’s double blow by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which tested the airport’s emergency protocols.

Coordinating closely with weather forecasters is key, officials said, as the airport requires 48 to 72 hours of lead time to begin storm preparations. Those preparations include securing nearly 60 jet bridges with chains, relocating aircraft, and placing up to 660 sandbags around vulnerable areas.

Located in Evacuation Zone A, the airport must shut down even for a Category 1 hurricane. Director of Operations Sarah Brammell said a small team will remain on-site during any storm to assess damage in real time and help expedite reopening once conditions allow.

“Even though the facility itself was largely unaffected last year, staffing proved to be a challenge due to widespread impacts in the community,” Brammell said. “That delayed our ability to fully resume operations.”

Airport officials stressed the need to act quickly, with some procedures—like securing jet bridges—taking more than 12 hours. Coordinating flight cancellations and ground operations with airlines also requires several days of communication.

“At sustained winds of around 40 miles per hour, we begin making serious decisions,” Brammell said. “That’s why the 48 to 72-hour forecast window is so critical for us.”

Passengers are urged to stay in close contact with their airline in the event of a storm to get the latest on flight status, delays, and cancellations.

Officials also reminded the public that parking garages will close when the airport does. During Hurricanes Helene and Milton, some residents attempted to park vehicles, boats, and RVs in airport garages, hoping to shield them from the storm—an action the airport discourages.

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(Image credit: Tampa International Airport)

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