PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Hurricane Idalia is battering Florida’s Gulf Coast and creating a headache for travelers who had planned to go to the Sunshine State this week.
More than two dozen flights were canceled at Philadelphia International Airport Wednesday morning. Most of those were on American and Frontier airlines coming in and out of destinations in Florida.
Tampa International Airport is closed, and several flights to Jacksonville and Orlando will not take off as planned.
Heather Redfern, PHL public affairs manager, said problems could last through Labor Day weekend.
“People who have been trying to get away for the Labor Day holiday and they have plans to go to Florida, unfortunately, those flights could be impacted too,” she said. “So they really need to check with their airlines to see what’s coming up — not only for today but in the coming days.”
Call the airlines or download their apps for the most up-to-date information, Redfern advised. Even if Florida isn’t your destination, AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson Jana Tidwell said your flight may still be affected.
“As airlines maneuver and move airplanes out of Florida, back into Florida, once the coast is clear, that will have a ripple effect here, whether you are planning to travel to Florida or not,” she explained. “They’re moving the aircraft out of harm’s way, so depending how far those aircraft have gone, it will take some time to get back up and running.”
Idalia’s wake is affecting hundreds of flights nationwide. The Federal Aviation Administration said it is keeping air traffic away from the Gulf.
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