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OIA to cease commercial operations in anticipation of Hurricane Nicole

ORLANO, Fla. — Orlando International Airport will cease all commercial operations Wednesday at 4 p.m. airport officials said.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) made the decision after meeting with airline and airport officials.

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Read: NICOLE LIVE UPDATES: OIA to stop commercial flights at 4 p.m.

On Wednesday, officials activated the airport’s emergency operations center and preparations were underway to secure the terminal and surrounding areas ahead of the storm.

GOAA also said nearby Orlando Executive Airport would also cease operations at 4 p.m.

Read: Evacuations recommended for some in Brevard County ahead of Nicole’s impact

Officials said there will be several staff members inside the terminal during the storm as part of a “ride-out-crew” that will assess and address any damage that may occur during the storm.

GOAA said there have been a total of 473 flights affected and the last flight to leave OIA was British Airways flight 205.

Passengers are advised to contact their airlines and rental car companies for specific questions about flights, schedules, and rental car return policies.

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Matt Reeser

Matt Reeser, WFTV.com

Matt Reeser joined WFTV in 1998 as a news photographer and has worked for television stations in Kentucky and West Virginia.