Today’s Dublin to Orlando flight has been cancelled EI121@14:00 and Inbound EI120 both today Thursday and tomorrow Friday.
Tourism in Orlando came to a halt as Hurricane Milton hit landfall, leading to the closure of Orlando International Airport impacting 806 passenger flights and major theme parks including Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld, affecting thousands of visitors.
The storm, reclassified as a Category 5 hurricane, prompted anxiety among tourists, with many stocking up on supplies and preparing to hunker down in hotels.
While some visitors rushed to enjoy theme parks before closures, others were reassured by hotel amenities and planned activities during the storm.
Orlando’s theme parks are crucial for its tourism industry, attracting 74m visitors last year, and October is particularly busy due to Halloween events, further complicating the impact of the hurricane.
A storm surge warning is in effect along Florida’s Gulf Coast from Flamingo to Yankeetown, and parts of the Atlantic coastline from Sebastian Inlet to Altamaha Sound, including the St. Johns River.
Tropical Depression Fourteen formed in the southwest Gulf of Mexico on October 5, quickly evolving into Tropical Storm Milton.
Storm Milton rapidly intensified into Hurricane Milton within 24 hours and experienced a significant increase in wind speed from 90 mph to 180 mph in just 15 hours.
With winds of 180 mph and a pressure of 897 millibars, Hurricane Milton is among the most intense Atlantic hurricanes recorded, with the lowest pressure observed since Hurricane Wilma in 2005.
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, issued waivers for travellers booked on flights to or from Florida, allowing them to rebook without additional fees.
- American Airlines added over 2,000 seats on flights from Tampa International and Sarasota Bradenton International airports, waiving change fees for travel scheduled between October 8 and October 10 due to Hurricane Milton.
- United Airlines is also providing extra flights from Florida airports and suspending most change fees for customers with tickets valid for travel from October 7 to October 12, offering free rescheduling options.
Cruise Lines adjusted itineraries
- Royal Caribbean is adjusting routes for seven voyages to prioritize guest safety due to Hurricane Milton.
- Carnival has modified the routes for four of its ships and continues to monitor other voyages, ensuring that all ships remain a safe distance from the storm.
- MSC Cruises is also making changes to its itineraries in response to the weather conditions.
- Amtrak has cancelled two trains and altered six routes from October 8 to October 10 due to the storm
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared a state of emergency for 51 counties, and the storm is expected to make landfall in Florida on Wednesday night, bringing anticipated rainfall of 5 to 12 inches and a storm surge of 10-15 feet.
The Atlantic hurricane season spans from June 1 to November 30. Tropical storm and hurricane activity typically starts to increase in August. The peak of the hurricane season is around September 10. The most intense activity generally occurs from mid-August to mid-October.
