Tampa Bay Airports to Shut Down as Hurricane Helene Approaches

Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) will suspend all operations on Sept. 26 in preparation for Hurricane Helene. TPA will close at 2 a.m. Thursday and will remain closed to the public until it can assess any potential damage from the storm. The airport anticipates reopening on Sept. 27, pending safety evaluations.

Hillsborough County Airports Closing

The three other public airports managed by the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority—Peter O. Knight, Tampa Executive, and Plant City airports—will also close at 2 a.m. TPA will not be open to the public during the storm and is not equipped to shelter people or vehicles. In preparation for Helene, TPA and its partners will secure the airfield and terminals, ensuring jet bridges, aircraft, and ground equipment are safeguarded.

St. Pete-Clearwater International’s Timeline

PIE will close after the last Allegiant flight arrives on Wednesday, with all flights operating as scheduled for that day. The airport plans to reopen on Friday morning, depending on post-storm conditions. Located in a mandatory evacuation zone, PIE is not a public shelter and will not offer refuge during the storm.

Hurricane Helene’s Forecast

Hurricane Helene, which formed on Wednesday morning, has prompted evacuation orders for some residents across multiple counties. Tampa Bay is currently under a tropical storm warning, while areas from Pasco County to the Panhandle are under a hurricane warning. Forecasts predict that Helene will likely strengthen to a Category 3 storm or higher as it approaches Florida, posing significant risk to the region.

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