Thousands are left stranded in Florida airports as more than 2,000 flights are canceled nationwide
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Thousands of travelers have been stranded in Florida by Hurricane Ian as more than 2,000 flights across the country are canceled and Jacksonville Airport is closed for the second day in a row
- More than 2,000 flights were canceled across the country on Thursday, following a spate of more than 2,100 flights canceled on Wednesday due to Hurricane Ian.
- While other Florida airports are expected to open Friday, Jacksonville International Airport remains closed with an unknown reopening date
- Nearly 900 flights for Friday have already been cancelled
- Airports will only remain open if no damage is reported
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A spate of canceled flights continued Thursday as more than 2,000 flights across the country were grounded, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
These flights follow a day of more than 2,100 flights canceled Wednesday as several international airports in Florida remain closed, including Jacksonville International Airport.
On Thursday morning, almost 900 flights for Friday have already been canceled. More cancellations for Friday are expected to be announced as the day progresses.
Miami International and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International airports have since opened but are experiencing delays and some cancellations.
It is not known when Jacksonville International will reopen, but that will not happen until airport staff make sure “there is no damage and the evacuated personnel can return safely,” according to a Good Morning America report.
Each airport is currently working with travelers affected by the cancellations to rebook flights.
Pictured: Delta Airlines employees cover check-in kiosks at Orlando International Airport, one of several Florida airports that will remain closed on Thursday
More than 2,100 flights were canceled due to Hurricane Ian . on Thursday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration
More cancellations are expected to continue through Friday as 900 have already been cancelled
Pictured: Florida airports listed by the FAA as closed on Thursdays
The FAA said in a statement “to closely monitor Hurricane Ian and its path.”
“Before a storm hits, we prepare and protect air traffic control facilities and equipment along the planned storm path so that operations can resume quickly after the hurricane has passed to support disaster management efforts.”
More future flights are expected to be affected by Hurricane Ian as it moves north toward Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.
Many airlines have set deadlines for affected travelers to adjust their travel arrangements, but others are more flexible.
Several international airports have announced that they have begun damage assessments, such as Tampa International and Orlando International.
The U.S. Department of Transportation says all flights canceled as a result of the storm are eligible for refunds.
Joining the wave of rebookings and refunds, Walt Disney World announced that all tickets originally purchased to visit the park this week will be valid through September 2023.
All affected airports and airlines are expected to contact travelers to assist in rebooking or refunding flights
The new wave of canceled flights will follow more than 2,100 canceled flights on Wednesday
Walt Disney World has announced that tickets purchased to visit the park during the week Hurricane Ian hit Florida will be valid until September 2023
Some airports began assessing damage on Thursday as more plans are underway to reopen Friday