Is There An Airport In Brooksville, Florida?

Brooksville, Florida, is a small city that does not have a major airport within its limits. However, there are several airports located near Brooksville that offer both domestic and international flights. The Brooksville–Tampa Bay Regional Airport, formerly known as the Hernando County Airport, is a public civil-military airport located 6 miles southwest of Brooksville. This airport does not serve commercial airlines but offers charter and executive services. The nearest major airports to Brooksville are the Tampa International Airport, which is 53 miles away, and the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, 63 miles from Brooksville. These airports provide convenient access to the city of Brooksville and the surrounding areas, facilitating travel and tourism in the region.

Brooksville–Tampa Bay Regional Airport

Brooksville, Florida, is served by the Brooksville–Tampa Bay Regional Airport, formerly known as the Hernando County Airport. This joint civil-military public airport is located 6 nautical miles (11 km) southwest of Brooksville's central business district. It is owned by Hernando County and is 45 miles (72 km) north of Tampa.

The airport covers an area of 2,402 acres (972 ha) and features two concrete paved runways: 9/27, measuring 7,001 x 150 ft (2,134 x 46 m), and 3/21, measuring 5,014 x 150 ft (1,528 x 46 m). It also has a Level I FAA contractor-operated air traffic control tower, which opened in October 2012. This was the first time the airport had an operational control tower since it was the Brooksville Army Airfield during World War II.

The Brooksville–Tampa Bay Regional Airport has seen consistent growth in its traffic rate, but it does not yet offer commercial airline services. However, it does provide charter and executive services. During the 12-month period ending December 15, 2017, the airport recorded 78,000 aircraft operations, averaging 214 per day. The majority of these operations were general aviation (93%), followed by military (6%) and air taxi (<1%). At that time, there were 181 aircraft based at the airport, including single-engine, multi-engine, helicopters, gliders, military, ultralights, and jet aircraft.

The airport has a rich history, dating back to its opening in November 1942 by the United States Army Air Forces. Known then as the Brooksville Army Airfield, it served as a training base for heavy and medium bombers as part of the Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics (AAFSAT) in Central and Northern Florida. The airfield was used for tactical combat simulation and played a crucial role in developing aerial warfare tactics and techniques.

In October 2012, the Hernando County Commission voted to change the airport's name to the Brooksville–Tampa Regional Airport as part of a county-wide rebranding effort. However, this decision faced legal challenges from the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority. After mediation, the airport was renamed the Brooksville–Tampa Bay Regional Airport, a compromise acceptable to both parties.

Hernando County Airport

Brooksville, Florida, is home to the Brooksville–Tampa Bay Regional Airport, formerly known as the Hernando County Airport. This joint civil-military public airport is located 6 nautical miles (11 km) southwest of Brooksville's central business district and is owned by Hernando County. The airport covers 2,402 acres (972 ha) and features two concrete paved runways: 9/27, which measures 7,001 x 150 ft (2,134 x 46 m), and 3/21, measuring 5,014 x 150 ft (1,528 x 46 m).

During World War II, Brooksville Army Airfield was used by various bomber squadrons, including the 1st Bombardment Squadron, 5th Bombardment Squadron, 99th Bombardment Squadron, and 430th Bombardment Squadron. These squadrons flew aircraft such as the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, and B-25 Mitchell. In 1944, the airfield was reassigned to the Third Air Force and became a B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber replacement training base.

After the war, the equipment and facilities were sold or transferred, and the property was eventually acquired by Hernando County, which remains the current owner. While the airport has seen consistent growth in its traffic rate, it does not currently serve the public through commercial airlines. However, it does offer charter and executive services and is home to various aircraft, including single-engine, multi-engine, helicopters, gliders, military, ultralights, and jet aircraft.

Aviation history

Brooksville, Florida, is home to the Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport, formerly known as the Hernando County Airport. The airport is a joint civil-military public airport located 6 nautical miles (11 km) southwest of the central business district of Brooksville.

The airport has a rich history dating back to World War II when it was a military airfield known as the Brooksville Army Airfield. The U.S. War Department constructed the airfield as an operational training facility, consisting of runways, taxiways, buildings, and utility systems. It served as an auxiliary airfield for pilot and ground crew training during the war. The 1st Bomb Squadron and the 9th Bombardment Group used the airfield for training on B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberators. The site remained active until late 1945 when the Army determined it was surplus.

After the war, the War Assets Administration sold or removed most of the improvements, and the land and remaining facilities were eventually transferred to Hernando County, which is the current owner. The airport has since been expanded and developed, accommodating a wide range of aircraft and serving as a major economic force in the region.

Today, the Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport covers an area of 2,402 acres (972 hectares) and features two concrete paved runways. It handles a significant volume of aircraft operations, including general aviation, military flights, and air taxis. The airport is recognised for its excellence, having been awarded the Florida Department of Transportation's Community Airport of the Year in 2011.

Nearby airports

Brooksville, Florida, is served by the Brooksville–Tampa Bay Regional Airport, formerly known as Hernando County Airport. This airport is located 6 nautical miles (11 km) southwest of the central business district of Brooksville. It is a joint civil-military public airport owned by Hernando County. While the airport has seen consistent growth in its traffic rate, it does not serve the public through commercial airlines but does offer charter and executive services.

International Airports

• Tampa International Airport (53 miles)
• Orlando International Airport (90 miles)
• Orlando Sanford International Airport (93 miles)
• Daytona Beach International Airport (116 miles)

Domestic Airports

• St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (63 miles)
• Tampa International Airport (53 miles)
• Orlando International Airport (90 miles)
• Orlando Sanford International Airport (93 miles)
• Gainesville Regional Airport (100 miles)
• Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (100 miles)
• Daytona Beach International Airport (116 miles)

Local Airports

• Hernando County Airport (7 miles)
• Hidden Lake Airport (32 miles)
• Zephyrhills Municipal Airport (34 miles)
• Leesburg International Airport (52 miles)
• Peter O. Knight Airport (53 miles)
• Plant City Airport (60 miles)
• MacDill Air Force Base (60 miles)
• Clearwater Air Park (63 miles)
• Ocala International Airport (64 miles)
• Lakeland Linder Regional Airport (68 miles)

Commercial airlines

Brooksville, Florida, is served by the Brooksville–Tampa Bay Regional Airport, formerly known as Hernando County Airport. The airport is located 6 nautical miles (11 km) southwest of the central business district of Brooksville. While the airport has seen consistent growth in its traffic rate, it does not currently serve the public through commercial airlines. However, it does offer charter and executive services.

The Brooksville–Tampa Bay Regional Airport covers an area of 2,402 acres (972 ha) and features two concrete paved runways: 9/27, measuring 7,001 x 150 ft (2,134 x 46 m), and 3/21, measuring 5,014 x 150 ft (1,528 x 46 m). The airport is owned by Hernando County and is located 45 miles (72 km) north of Tampa.

For the 12-month period ending December 15, 2017, the airport recorded 78,000 aircraft operations, with an average of 214 per day. The operations consisted of 93% general aviation, 6% military, and less than 1% air taxi. A total of 181 aircraft were based at the airport, including single-engine, multi-engine, helicopters, gliders, military, ultralights, and jet aircraft.

Although Brooksville–Tampa Bay Regional Airport does not accommodate commercial airlines, there are several major airports within a reasonable distance from Brooksville. Here are some alternatives:

• Tampa International Airport (TPA/KTPA): Located 53 miles from Brooksville, this airport offers both international and domestic flights.
• St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE/KPIE): Situated 63 miles from Brooksville, this airport caters to domestic flights.
• Orlando International Airport (MCO/KMCO): Approximately 90 miles from Brooksville, this airport serves international and domestic destinations.
• Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB/KSFB): Found 93 miles from Brooksville, this airport provides domestic flights.

Frequently asked questions