Miami International Airport has been closed after being severely damaged by Hurricane Irma – and officials have not confirmed when it will reopen.
Florida’s biggest terminal said there would be no flights at the airport today after it was battered by 100mph winds and left with ‘significant water damage throughout’.
Last night, American Airlines said it will not resume commercial flights from the international hub but may operate flights to bring in staff and supplies.
The airline had said earlier that it planned to begin limited operations on Monday after 5pm, but reversed course after the airport said it would remain closed on Monday. The airport may reopen on Tuesday but it did not confirm the plans.
Miami International Airport has been closed after being severely damaged by Hurricane Irma – and officials have not confirmed when it will reopen
Pictures have emerged showing large puddles of water in waiting areas and ceiling tiles on the floor
‘American now plans to resume limited operations when the airport reopens,’ the airline said, noting federal agencies must assess whether the airport can reopen.
The Fort Worth-based airline canceled all flights at the Miami airport starting on Friday evening in anticipation of Hurricane Irma, along with flights at three other south Florida airports.
All American flights remain canceled through Monday at 12 other Florida airports, as well as Hilton Head, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia.
A Miami International Airport tweet said: ‘Travel advisory: There are no passenger flights scheduled at MIA September 11.
‘Some airlines will fly personnel and crew members tomorrow in preparations for flights to resume.
Florida’s biggest terminal said there would be no flights at the airport today after it was battered by 100mph winds and left with ‘significant water damage throughout’
Boats ride out Hurricane Irma in a marina in Miami, Florida last night as ferocious winds caused chaos in the Sunshine State
‘After damage assessment, we will determine if passenger flights will resume on Tuesday September 12.’
The airport’s chief executive officer, Emilio T Gonzalez, had earlier revealed that the airport had been hammered by winds of up to 100mph.
Pictures posted on social media by NBC News showed large puddles of water in waiting areas and ceiling tiles on the floor.
Orlando International Airport closed Saturday and won’t reopen to passenger traffic until after Irma has passed, a damage assessment has been completed, necessary recovery efforts made and the airlines are consulted to determine when best to resume operations.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport says on its website it has no timetable yet to reopen. Its last flights were Friday.
Tampa International Airport also is closed as Hurricane Irma moves up the Florida peninsula.
Airlines are preparing their recovery schedules, which may take several days to execute.