Disney World guests were left stranded, families separated, and flights grounded—all because of something no one saw coming.
Around lunchtime on a seemingly ordinary Friday, the hum of rolling luggage and boarding announcements was replaced by chaos. Thick black smoke poured into the sky over Jacksonville International Airport (JAX), prompting a rapid lockdown. As emergency crews raced in, guests flying home from magical Disney World vacations or returning from business trips were left watching their weekend plans go up in smoke—literally.
What caused this terrifying shutdown—and when can travelers expect things to return to normal?
Cars Engulfed in Flames as Panic Spreads: Disney World Guests Left Behind
First reports of the fire came around 12:30 p.m., when Jacksonville’s NBC affiliate, First Coast News, began receiving frantic calls from the scene. Multiple vehicles had ignited on the third level of the airport’s daily/hourly garage—ironically, just as the structure reached 95% capacity.
Due to a fire in the Hourly Garage, the Jacksonville airport is currently closed. According to airport officials, JFRD is on-site working the issue. JSO has blocked inbound and outbound road access to the airport. A viewer sent in this video: – @AnthonyReports on X
Due to a fire in the Hourly Garage, the Jacksonville airport is currently closed. According to airport officials, JFRD is on-site working the issue. JSO has blocked inbound and outbound road access to the airport.
A viewer sent in this video: pic.twitter.com/WHdcugAkut
— Anthony Austin (@AnthonyReports) May 16, 2025
Eyewitnesses describe a surreal scene. “It looked like something out of a movie,” one traveler shared. “All we could see was smoke. We had no idea what was going on—just that the airport shut down, and no one could leave or get in.” Soon after, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the airport was closed to all flights until at least 4 p.m. as crews battled the blaze.
The closure of Jacksonville International Airport isn’t just a logistical hiccup—it’s a major disruption for thousands of travelers. With roads in and out of JAX completely blocked, guests flying in or out for Florida vacations, including those heading to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, or even cruise terminals in Jacksonville and Port Canaveral, are feeling the ripple effects.
Guests with upcoming flights were urged to monitor airline apps and official airport updates, as no timeline beyond the 4 p.m. window has been officially confirmed.
Flights Grounded, Roads Closed—What It Means for Travelers
Despite the dramatic visuals, officials confirmed a silver lining: no serious injuries have been reported. Jacksonville Fire and Rescue arrived quickly, working with airport staff to contain the fire and assess structural damage.
#BREAKING: Major fire erupts at Jacksonville International Airport parking garage, igniting multiple vehicles. Dark smoke rises as fire crews work to contain the blaze. No injuries reported, but airport operations are disrupted with flights delayed and roads closed. Eyewitnesses report a Chinese-made Kandi EV smoking before the fire spread, though this remains unconfirmed. Cause under investigation. –@LaszloRealtor on X
🚨#BREAKING: Major fire erupts at Jacksonville International Airport parking garage, igniting multiple vehicles. Dark smoke rises as fire crews work to contain the blaze. No injuries reported, but airport operations are disrupted with flights delayed and roads closed.… pic.twitter.com/sCTKbGa79S
— Laszlo Varga (@LaszloRealtor) May 16, 2025
City Council President Randy White stated that officials are “assessing operations to ensure safe resumption of services.” Mayor Donna Deegan headed to the airport for a briefing, while Councilman Reggie Gaffney Jr. assured residents and travelers that their safety is the city’s “top priority.”
“We’re thankful for the professionalism of first responders,” White added. “They acted with courage and urgency in a very dangerous situation.”
Why This Matters More Than You Think
While it may appear as an isolated fire incident, the larger implications are worth noting:
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Holiday travel season is here – and unexpected closures like this can have a cascading effect on flight schedules across the East Coast.
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Security and infrastructure questions – With the garage near full capacity, could this incident trigger changes in airport parking safety or emergency preparedness?
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Impact on Florida tourism – Jacksonville International is a key airport for families visiting Orlando’s theme parks, and today’s shutdown could leave guests scrambling for rebookings or refunds.
If you’re flying into Florida this week—especially to visit Walt Disney World or Universal—it’s worth double-checking whether your flight connects through JAX, or if any ripple delays are expected.
When Will Jacksonville International Airport Reopen to Disney World Guests?
As of now, the FAA has only stated that JAX will remain closed “until at least 4 p.m.” on Friday. However, depending on the damage, delays could extend longer. Travelers are advised to follow @FlyJAX and airline alerts for real-time updates. It may be hours—or even days—before full operations resume.
In the meantime, if you’re stuck at the airport or trying to reroute through another Florida hub (like Orlando or Tampa), remain patient. Local officials stress that safety and damage assessment come first, and operations won’t resume until it’s deemed 100% safe.
This incident reminds us just how quickly a normal day can turn upside-down. For Disney World fans returning home or families rushing to catch a weekend flight, today’s events were a harsh—and smoky—reminder that in the world of travel, anything can happen.
