Daytona Beach Airport: Does It Exist?

Daytona Beach, a city on Florida's Atlantic coast, is known for its iconic NASCAR race, boardwalk rides, and shopping. The city is served by the Daytona Beach International Airport, located just 3.4 miles from the city centre. The airport is adjacent to the Daytona International Speedway, providing visitors with a view of the racetrack. Daytona Beach International Airport is a small airport with shorter distances throughout the property, allowing visitors to navigate the airport faster. The airport has a domestic terminal with six gates and an international terminal. It is served by major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, and Sunwing.ca.

Daytona Beach International Airport's location and transport links

Daytona Beach International Airport (IATA: DAB, ICAO: KDAB, FAA LID: DAB) is located three miles (5 km) southwest of Daytona Beach, in Volusia County, Florida, United States. The airport is conveniently situated next to the Daytona International Speedway and is just a few minutes' drive from most oceanfront hotels in the area.

The airport is easily accessible by road, with Interstate 4 connecting it to the Orlando Sanford Airport and Interstate 95 leading to the Jacksonville International Airport. The airport is also served by the I-4 Express, which offers tolled lanes in both directions between Kirkman Road (State Road 435) and State Road 434.

Daytona Beach International Airport provides a range of transport options for travellers. It features comfortable seating areas, easy access to rental car services, and efficient security processes with minimal wait times. The airport also participates in the Sunflower program, which offers additional assistance to passengers with hidden disabilities who choose to wear the green sunflower identification.

The airport has a rich history, initially starting as a beach airport in 1906, with flights taking off from the smooth, hard beach surface. It has since expanded to include three runways, a six-gate domestic terminal, and an international terminal.

Airlines that serve Daytona Beach International Airport

Daytona Beach International Airport (IATA: DAB, ICAO: KDAB, FAA LID: DAB) is located just three miles from Daytona Beach in Volusia County, Florida. The airport has a range of airlines operating from its terminals, providing easy access to this popular beach destination.

Delta Air Lines and American Airlines are two major carriers serving Daytona Beach International Airport. Delta offers daily direct flights to Atlanta, Georgia (ATL), while American Airlines provides year-round service to Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT) and seasonal non-stop flights from Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA). These airlines provide thousands of connections to destinations across the globe, making them a convenient choice for travellers.

Avelo Airlines is another carrier offering non-stop flights to nearby destinations. Avelo operates twice-weekly flights to New Haven, Connecticut (HVN), providing access to Southern Connecticut and the New York region. They also serve Philadelphia/Delaware Valley (Wilmington Airport, ILG), Hartford, Connecticut (KHFD), and Charlotte's Concord-Padgett Regional Airport. Avelo's non-stop flights provide a quick and efficient travel option for passengers.

Breeze Airways is a newer addition to the airport, offering convenient non-stop services to multiple destinations. These include Westchester County-New York (NY), Hartford, Connecticut, Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, and Providence, Rhode Island. With a focus on ease and efficiency, Breeze Airways aims to enhance the travel experience for passengers visiting Daytona Beach.

Daytona Beach International Airport has a rich history in aviation, dating back to the early 20th century. The beach itself served as a runway for motor vehicles and aircraft due to its smooth, hard surface. Today, the airport continues to provide an accessible gateway to Daytona Beach and the surrounding areas, catering to a range of airlines and passengers alike.

The history of Daytona Beach's airports

Daytona Beach International Airport (IATA: DAB, ICAO: KDAB, FAA LID: DAB) is located three miles (5 km) southwest of Daytona Beach, in Volusia County, Florida. The airport has three runways, a six-gate domestic terminal, and an international terminal. The aviation history of the area dates back over 100 years, when the beach itself served as a runway for pilots. The smooth, hard, and relatively clean surface of the beach was ideal for motor vehicles and aircraft. The first flight on the beach was in 1906 by Charles K. Hamilton, using Israel Ludlow's glider.

In the early days of aviation, the white sands of Daytona Beach served as the only runway for daredevil pilots who were hired as entertainment by upscale hotels in the area. This entertainment source soon shifted to a service focus when a Pitcairn Airwing began making regular airmail deliveries on the beach. The first twin-engine aircraft ever flown took off from Daytona Beach.

In 1928, the City of Daytona Beach moved its airport from the beach to Bethune Point along the Halifax River. Eastern Air Transport was the first airline at Daytona Beach, certified to fly mail to Tampa and Orlando. In 1930, the airport was relocated to its current site, a 740-acre (299 ha) piece of land next to the International Speedway Boulevard. The airport was originally called Sholtz Field, after the then Governor of Florida, who was from Daytona Beach. The construction was basic, with gravel runways and a signpost made from an old wooden surfboard.

In 1933, the airport was closed for repairs, and National Airlines rerouted its flights to Jacksonville. In the late 1930s, four paved runways were built, allowing DC-2s and DC-3s to use the airport. In 1940, the city contracted a zookeeper to run the airport, and during World War II, the US Navy took over the airport for pilot training, calling it Naval Air Station Daytona Beach.

In 1946, ownership of the airport reverted to the City of Daytona Beach, and in 1952, construction began on the first terminal and hangars. By the end of the decade, passenger and cargo service had grown to 6,000 aircraft per week. In 1958, a new, modernised terminal was built with a restaurant, bar, gift shop, and barbershop.

In 1969, Volusia County took over management of the airport, and it was renamed the Daytona Beach Regional Airport. Jet flights began in December 1967, with Eastern operating Boeing 727s. In 1992, a new two-level terminal was opened, and the airport was relaunched as the Daytona Beach International Airport. The new airport featured an international terminal and an extended 10,500-foot runway to accommodate larger aircraft.

Other nearby airports

Daytona Beach International Airport is located just three miles (5 km) southwest of Daytona Beach, next to the Daytona International Speedway, in Volusia County, Florida. The airport has three runways, a six-gate domestic terminal, and an international terminal.

While Daytona Beach International Airport is the closest airport to Daytona Beach, there are several other airports in the region that serve as alternatives for travellers. These include:

• Orlando International Airport – Located about an hour's drive from Daytona Beach, Orlando International Airport is one of the major airports in the country, offering both domestic and international flights. Travellers can use the I-4 Express, which consists of tolled lanes in the centre of I-4, to get to and from the airport.
• Orlando Sanford International Airport – Situated 35 miles northeast of Daytona Beach via Interstate 4, this airport offers both international charter and scheduled domestic services.
• Jacksonville International Airport – Approximately a two-hour drive north of Daytona Beach, just off Interstate 95, this airport is a convenient option for those travelling from the north.

Passenger experiences at Daytona Beach International Airport

Daytona Beach International Airport (IATA: DAB, ICAO: KDAB, FAA LID: DAB) is a convenient option for travellers, located just three miles (5 km) southwest of Daytona Beach, Florida. The airport has a range of features that contribute to a positive passenger experience.

One of the standout features of the airport is its ease of access and convenience. With comfortable seating areas in the terminal, easy access to rental cars, and typically short security lines, passengers can expect a quick and efficient experience. The airport is also just a short drive from most oceanfront hotels, making it a popular choice for visitors to the area.

The airport is part of the Sunflower program, which offers extra assistance to travellers with hidden disabilities. By choosing to wear the green sunflower product, passengers can discreetly indicate to airport staff that they may require additional support during their journey.

Daytona Beach International Airport offers flights with a variety of carriers, including Delta, American Airlines, Avelo Airlines, and Breeze Airways. These airlines provide year-round and seasonal flights to destinations across the United States, including Atlanta, Charlotte, Washington, New Haven, Philadelphia, and Hartford.

The airport has a rich history, dating back to the early days of aviation. The beach in Daytona was once used as a runway due to its smooth, hard surface. The airport has undergone several name changes and expansions over the years, reflecting its growth and development. Today, it covers 1,800 acres (730 ha) and features three asphalt runways, a six-gate domestic terminal, and an international terminal.

Overall, Daytona Beach International Airport offers a positive and convenient experience for passengers, with efficient processes, accessible facilities, and a range of flight options to suit travellers' needs.

Frequently asked questions