Hurricane Ian snarls air travel in western Florida

Local residents fill sandbags, as Hurricane Ian spun toward the state carrying high winds, torrential rains and a powerful storm surge, at Ben T. Davis Beach in Tampa, Florida, U.S., September 26, 2022. 

At least one major airport on Florida's west coast said it will suspend operations before the storm arrives.

The storm is expected to hit the state early Wednesday. The airport will stop operating at 5 pm. The time is on Tuesday.

Travelers affected by the storm will not have to pay flight change fees or fare differences.

Southwest Florida International Airport is expecting flights to be canceled late Tuesday and Wednesday. The Federal Aviation Administration and carriers will be contacted at 1p.m. Next steps as Hurricane Ian approaches

Southwest is suspending operations in three cities over the course of four days.

Airlines usually move their planes out of a storm's path in order to avoid stranding passengers and crew.