On Friday, May 16, 2025, Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) faced a critical incident when a fire broke out in its Hourly Parking Garage. This fire, which started Friday around noon, caused the airport to temporarily close, aircraft delays, and significant damage to the airport’s parking garage! 

Incident Overview

The fire is reported to have started in a single vehicle on the Hourly Garage’s second-floor, and quickly spread to approximately 50 vehicles. The high heat led to portions of the second and third floors collapsing, preventing firefighters from entering the garage to extinguish the flames. Drones were used to evaluate the area and confirm that no individuals were inside the vehicles.

No injuries were reported. The airport reopened at 5 p.m. that same day, but the Hourly Garage remains closed indefinitely for structural concerns.

Effect on Consumers

Flight Services: Although incoming flights were prevented from arriving, some outgoing flights were able to leave the airport after the airport reopened. Passengers didn’t have the same issues getting to the airport; there would be multiple reported flight delays and other passengers on diverted flights.

Parking Takeaway: With the Hourly Garage closed and the Daily Garage temporarily unavailable, consumers were limited; they were instructed to use off-site parking garages or rideshare services (Uber, Lyft, etc.).

Rental Car Return: Some rental car returns were redirected to different locations; Rental Car Road was designated for most rental car agencies, Staggerwing Road was for Enterprise customers.

Car Retrieval: Over 1,000 cars stayed in the Hourly Garage. The Jacksonville Aviation Authority created a website specifically for car owners to enter their information related to their car in the Hourly Garage and create a correspondence webpage for updates.

Ongoing Debrief Feature and Future Procedures

A definitive cause of the fire has yet to be established. The airport’s Hourly Garage last received a building inspection a little over three months ago (October 2024). Officials are trying to figure out the structural extent of the damage.

The incident demonstrated the obvious need for safety and resilient infrastructure. The Jacksonville Aviation Authority will address safety and resilient infrastructure to improve the safety and experience for all consumers.

Helpful Tips for Affected Travelers

Flight Status: Verify your flight status with your airline before coming to the airport.

Alternative Parking: Consider offsite parking, or rideshare services to avoid delays.

Rental Car Returns: Follow the signage to the temporary rental car return area.

Stay Updated: Stay tune to official airport communications regarding updates with the Hourly Garage and other services.

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