Melbourne International Airport to reopen after Hurricane Irma

Orlando International, Sanford International also closing

MELBOURNE. Fla. – The Orlando Melbourne International Airport is expected to reopen Tuesday after it halted all flights Saturday evening to and from the Brevard County airport as Hurricane Irma's outer bands started reaching Central Florida.

Airport officials said Monday that the airport would reopen at 8 a.m., one day after Hurricane Irma lashed through Florida.

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"The airport team is working hard to facilitate emergency operations while making necessary repairs," a spokesperson for the airport said. "The main runway appears to be in acceptable shape and the airfield has drained nicely."

Airport officials suggested travelers contact their individual airlines for potential changes in itineraries.

Commercial flights stopped and the terminal closed just before 6:30 p.m. Saturday, airport director of communications Lori Booker said.

The airport entrance was also closed and rental cars could be returned. 

Find a list of Brevard County hurricane shelter locations here.

An hour earlier, the last out-bound flight left the Orlando International Airport. All commercial flights were halted ahead of Irma.

Mandatory evacuations were issued Thursday for Brevard County residents. Those orders were still in effect even after Irma's path continued to shift west.

The evacuations began 3 p.m. Friday, giving residents 24-hours to prepare ahead of Irma's anticipated arrival.

Brevard County on Wednesday declared a state of emergency due to the potential threat of Hurricane Irma.


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