Orlando International Airport Closed Indefinitely for Damage Assessment Due to Tropical Storm Nicole

UPDATE: MCO has since reopened and airport operations have returned to normal following Tropical Storm Nicole.

The Orlando International Airport (MCO) has released a statement today confirming they have closed indefinitely due to Tropical Storm Nicole.

As Tropical Storm Nicole passes along the Florida coast, many businesses, like the Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios Orlando Resort, have enacted closures for the safety of their staff and patrons. The Orlando International Airport officially halted operations at 4 p.m. yesterday due to the storm.

Today, MCO posted an Operational Update to their Twitter account notifying travelers that they would remain closed while assessment crews take stock of indoor conditions and updates on weather which could affect many flight plans:

Operational Update – Tropical Storm Nicole
Damage assessment crews are beginning the recovery process by assessing inside facilities and then moving outside to address issues as weather conditions improve.
Details: https://t.co/kc9mvCSxzZ pic.twitter.com/a78m4RqocW

— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) November 10, 2022

The Orlando International Airport previously experienced a similar hiatus when it closed as a result of Hurricane Ian back in September.

MCO also linked to a statement on the Orlando Airports’ website reading:

As Tropical Storm Nicole makes its way across Central Florida, ride-out crews at Orlando International Airport remain in place to assess and address any damages caused by the storm. As of 4:00 p.m. yesterday, Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Executive Airports ceased commercial and private operations. That order remains in effect and passengers should not come to the airport until a definitive time is given for when MCO will resume operations.

The website specifies that the Orlando Airports, including MCO, continue to communicate with the National Hurricane Center and local and federal management officials in order to determine when it is safest to reopen.

There is currently no word on when MCO will resume operations, so Guests scheduled to fly into (or out of) the Sunshine State should monitor for additional updates following the assessment, and check for cancellations regarding arrangements for accommodations or ground transportation. The Walt Disney World Resort stated they will undergo a phased re-opening as of 11 a.m. to resume operations as they are able on November 10.

Disney World Guests who are unable to fly home may end up needing to shelter in place for the duration of the storm. For this reason, the Disney Resorts plan to remain open for Guests with existing reservations.

DisneyTips will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. Guests can also check the Walt Disney World website for new information or contact accommodations directly as needed, and find storm resources at the National Hurricane Center. We hope everyone stays safe out there!