Several airlines have started waiving re-booking charges as the now Category 4 storm makes way to land this afternoon. Mandatory and voluntary evacuations have been issued to about 20 Florida counties, sparking flight cancellations at Florida airports, including Panama City.
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Tallahassee, Panama City, Pensacola and Destin-Fort Walton Beach have cancelled all commercial flights today, including one scheduled to arrive in Cincinnati this afternoon. Mobile, Alabama, flights are also likely to be heavily impacted as Michael approaches.
Flights through major hub Atlanta, the largest airport in the nation, could also be affected as the remnants of the storm pass through Georgia mid-week. The cancellations could also affect other flights with aircraft not lining up in the correct locations.
“Because of Hurricane Michael, airlines are likely to cancel many flights in the direct path of the storm and the surrounding areas. Flights that are not cancelled may be delayed,” the Federal Aviation Administration said on its website today.
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Though airports may be listed as open, flooding could limit access to the facilities for passengers and workers, the organization added.
“As a result, every aspect of your trip to the airport, including parking, checking in, getting through security and boarding may take longer than usual,” the FAA said.
The hurricane adds to delays due to thunderstorms expected to impact airports in Atlanta, Charlotte, Orlando, Tampa and Chicago, according to the FAA.
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Low clouds could also slow traffic through Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Seattle.
Some flights departing Dayton for Charlotte were delayed this morning. One scheduled to leave for Chicago at 6:25 p.m. was also delayed, along with an arrival from Chicago this evening. Flights between Cincinnati and both Charlotte and Chicago today also have some delays.
Dayton, Cincinnati and Columbus airports offer connecting flights through Atlanta, which may be impacted later today by the storm.
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