Hurricane Florence is expected to significantly impact air transport in parts of the southeastern US during its passage. As of the evening of Sept. 12, several airlines have begun to announce flight cancellations ahead of the system's landfall, and many airports in the storm's projected path have announced plans to close in advance of the storm:
North Carolina
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) : Some flight cancellations, most flights remain scheduled.
- Fayetteville Airport (FAY): All flights cancelled Sept. 13. Most flights cancelled Sept. 14.
- Jacksonville Albert J. Ellis Airport (OAJ): Airport closed evening Sept. 12 until the storm has passed. Potential flooding at the airport could extend the closure.
- New Bern Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN): Airport to close 2359 Sept. 12 until storm has passed.
- Pitt-Greenville Airport (PGV): Airport closed Sept. 12 until the storm has passed. Potential flooding at the airport could extend the closure.
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU): Some flight cancellations Sept. 13, most flights remain scheduled.
- Wilmington International Airport (ILM): All flights cancelled evening Sept. 12 until storm has passed. Potential flooding at the airport could extend the closure.
South Carolina
- Charleston International Airport (CHS): Airport closing 2350 Sept. 12 through at least Sept. 14.
- Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE): Airport will remain open through the storm, most flights cancelled Sept. 13-14.
- Florence Regional Airport (FLO): All flights cancelled Sept. 12-13.
- Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR): Airport will remain open through the storm, most flights cancelled Sept. 13-14.
Virginia
- Newport News Williamsburg International Airport (PHF): Some flight cancellations, most flights remain scheduled.
- Norfolk International Airport (ORF): Some flight cancellations, most flights remain scheduled.
- Richmond International Airport (RIC): Some flight cancellations, most flights remain scheduled.
The status of airports and flights operating at the aforementioned facilities will likely fluctuate over the coming days. Additional cancellations and airport closures are likely throughout the region, but such disruptions will ultimately depend on the storm's path and intensity. As of Sept. 12, no airport closures or widespread flight cancellations have been announced for facilities in Georgia.
All major US airlines have issued travel waivers for the region allowing passengers to change flights without additional costs. Several airlines have also implemented price caps or other price controls for flights from airports in the region.
The hurricane's impact on air travel beyond the southeast US will depend on the storm's track. If the storm causes major disruptions at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), it will likely cause widespread flight disruptions around the country, as both these airports are hubs for major US airlines. If the storm does not have a significant impact on either airport, disruptions will likely be mostly contained to the region.
Further assistance
Campus Travel can be contacted 24/7, 365 days a year.
Number: +61 7 3393 8855 (calls from overseas)
Number: 1300 662 703 (calls from within Australia)
Email: uq@campustravel.com.au
If you require emergency assistance while travelling, please contact Chubb Insurance Assistance. The contact details are listed below:
Travel emergency 24/7 contact
Chubb Assistance phone +61 2 8907 5995 and quote UQ policy number 01PP529201. Reverse phone charge is available.
