Operations quickly resumed at Tampa International Airport (KTPA) in Florida following a damage assessment and cleanup efforts after Hurricane Milton, but damage at the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority’s three general aviation airports — Peter O. Knight Airport (KTPF), Tampa Executive Airport (KVDF) and Plant City Municipal Airport (KPCM) — is extensive enough that crews are still working to fully recover.
Peter O. Knight Airport, located on Davis Islands near downtown Tampa, was not inundated by Milton but was heavily affected by Hurricane Helene on Sept. 26, when several feet of storm surge covered the airfield and damaged many of the hangars, according to aviation authority officials.
“Engineers are working to assess which ones are now safe to enter,” officials said.
KTPF has reopened for daytime operations, but damage to the airfield lighting system is hindering nighttime operations, officials added.
Limited operations resumed on Oct. 14 at Tampa Executive Airport, near the Florida State Fairgrounds.
KVDF sustained significant damage to some of its hangar facilities during Milton, but the airfield and taxiways are in good shape, airport officials noted.
The terminal is running on generator power, however, and crews estimate that power won’t be restored until at least Oct. 17. Downed trees are impeding access to KVDF, so please use caution if driving to this airport, airport officials warn.
Plant City Airport in eastern Hillsborough County is home to the annual Planes, Trains and Automobiles event, and is in the best shape of the three general aviation airports. Although some of its hangar facilities were damaged by Milton, power was quickly restored and after several days of being closed, the airport resumed operational status on Oct. 14.
“It’s been truly amazing to see everyone pull together during this difficult time,” said TPA Vice President of General Aviation Brett Fay. “We’ve been coordinating closely with maintenance teams and local partners to make sure we get these important airports back up and running as quickly and safely as possible.”
For more information: TampaAirport.com
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