US companies hit pause on Florida ops as Hurricane Milton approaches

Source: Reuters

October 9, 2024 2:28 AM EDT Updated 5 hours ago


Oct 8 (Reuters) - Airlines, energy firms and a Universal Studios theme park were among the companies beginning to halt their Florida operations as they braced for disruptions with Hurricane Milton set to make landfall on Wednesday.

The hurricane has rapidly intensified into one of the area's most powerful on record, threatening a stretch of Florida's densely populated west coast that is still reeling from the devastating Hurricane Helene less than two weeks ago.

As of Tuesday afternoon, 1,311 flights within, into, or out of the United States were delayed, and 701 were canceled, with that number expected to rise, according to flight tracking data provider FlightAware. Southwest, one of the largest U.S. airlines, said it was adjusting its schedule at several airports that were pausing operations, including Tampa International Airport and Orlando International Airport.

Orlando International, one of the busiest airports in the U.S., said it would cease operations at 8 a.m. local time on Wednesday, according to a notice on its website. Tampa International said it was closed on Tuesday. United Airlines (UAL.O), JetBlue Airways (JBLU.O), and Air Canada (AC.TO), added extra capacity to move people out of Florida.

Read more: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/airlines-cancel-flights-airports-close-florida-braces-hurricane-milton-2024-10-08/