TPA's General Aviation airports on path to recovery following Hurricane Milton

Operations quickly resumed at Tampa International Airport 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 (TPF), Tampa Executive Airport (VDF) and Plant City Municipal Airport (PCM) - are still working to reopen as recovery efforts take place.

These three General Aviation airports form a vital reliever network allowing for safe, efficient and timely commercial operations at TPA, which also is operated by the Aviation Authority.

Peter O. Knight Airport, located on Davis Islands near downtown Tampa, was not inundated by Milton but was heavily affected by Hurricane Heleneon Sept. 26, when several feet of storm surge covered the airfield and damaged many of the hangars - engineers are working to assess which ones are now safe to enter. TPF has reopened for daytime operations, but damage to the airfield lighting system is hindering nighttime operations.

Limited operations resumed on Oct. 14 at Tampa Executive Airport, near the Florida State Fairgrounds. VDF sustained significant damage to some of their hangar facilities during Milton, but their airfield and taxiways are in good shape. 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 currently impeding access to VDF, so please use caution if driving to this airport.

Plant City Airportin 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 their hangar facilities were damaged by Milton, power was quickly restored and after several days of being closed, they resumed operational status on Oct. 14.

TPA Vice President of General Aviation Brett Fay said that he was thankful for the hard work of the aviation community and those working tirelessly to brings these three facilities back online.

"It's been truly amazing to see everyone pull together during this difficult time," Fay said. "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."

Sign up for TPA's On The Radarnewsletter and check the website at TampaAirport.comfor updates on each of these three General Aviation airports.