TAMPA -- Flying in or out of the Tampa Bay area is not an option Thursday, thanks to Hurricane Helene.
Tampa International Airport is shutting down at 2 a.m. (Thursday) and won't reopen until sometime Friday. Executive VP of Operations John Tiliacos says they know it's an inconvenience to travelers and cargo and they don't do it lightly. But "at the end of the day, we have to do what we believes is in the best interest of the safety of our airport, our ten thousand employees... and of course, our travelers," Tiliacos said Wednesday.
He says shutdown is necessary because the airport sits at sea level next to Tampa Bay, and it takes eight to ten hours to secure the property.
About a hundred "storm riders" from various departments at the airport will sit out Helene. Reopening the airport is expected sometime Friday, pending FAA approval.
St. Petersburg-Clearwater airport will shut down after Wednesday's last flight and reopen Friday morning.
Travelers are asked to check with their airlines regarding flight status, or to seek a rebooking.
Helene is expected to pass to the west of Tampa Bay in the Gulf of Mexico.
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