The large, fast-moving Hurricane Helene is approaching southwest Florida, threatening residents with heavy winds and rainfall as well as storm surge along the coast.
The National Hurricane Center warns of the deadly and devastating hazards Helene poses as it’s forecast to make landfall as a major hurricane by Thursday, Sept. 26.
Tampa International Airport and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport will be closed on Thursday and intend to reopen on Friday if it’s safe to do so. Airlines have issued travel alerts allowing passengers to change their flights.
Helene has already canceled a few flights at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport because of those airport closures, and the number could increase if airports in Helene’s path suspend or alter their operations.
The Federal Aviation Administration’s National Airspace System stated in its Wednesday, Sept. 25 operations plan that airport closures are likely in the Gulf of Mexico region as the hurricane approaches.
Here’s how Hurricane Helene could affect your flight and what to do if yours is canceled.
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How many flights has Hurricane Helene canceled?
As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, the Phoenix airport’s website listed two canceled flights to destinations affected by Helene. Both flights, one with American Airlines and one with Southwest Airlines, were scheduled to fly to Tampa on Thursday morning.
Airlines canceled 213 departing flights and 202 arriving flights in Tampa on Thursday, according to flight tracking website FlightAware.
Airports closed for Hurricane Helene
The Tampa, St. Pete-Clearwater and Tallahassee international airports said they would close Thursday because of Hurricane Helene.
Other major airports in the hurricane’s path, including Orlando, Jacksonville and Atlanta, remain open and are monitoring the storm.
What if the hurricane cancels my flight?
Airlines issued travel advisories for airports in Helene’s path and will allow travelers whose itineraries are affected by the storm to change their flights at no additional charge.
American Airlines travel alert today
American Airlines, which operates Sky Harbor’s largest flight capacity, is waiving change fees for travel to and from 23 airports, mostly in Florida and the Caribbean.
Passengers must be scheduled to travel between Sept. 24-27; they can rebook their travel from Sept. 24-Oct. 4, as long as they keep the original city pairs and the same class of service.
Southwest Airlines travel alert today
Southwest Airlines is allowing passengers with flights scheduled to and from 19 airports in Gulf Coast and southeast U.S. destinations to rebook their flights with no additional charges.
Passengers who choose not to fly because of a canceled or significantly delayed flight can request a refund for the unused portion of their ticket; people who cancel their reservations on their own can receive a flight credit for the value of the ticket.
Eligibility for the waiver depends on the travel dates originally booked, which is different for each affected destination.
Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Hurricane Helene flight disruptions: Here’s what to do
