Destin, Florida: Exploring Airport Accessibility And Options

Destin, Florida is served by several airports, including the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), Pensacola International Airport (PNS), and Tallahassee International Airport (TLH). The closest of these is the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, which is just under 16 miles from Destin and offers a convenient option for travellers due to its proximity to the city and its modern amenities. Destin Executive Airport (DTS) is another airport in the region, catering to general aviation and military operations with a 5,000-foot runway and full-service amenities. With various airport options available, travellers can easily access the attractions of Destin and the Emerald Coast.

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)

Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (IATA: VPS, ICAO: KVPS, FAA LID: VPS) is an airport located within Eglin Air Force Base, near Valparaiso, Destin, and Fort Walton Beach in Okaloosa County, Florida. The airport is approximately 16 miles away from Destin, which takes around 25 minutes to travel.

The airport is the preferred aviation gateway for travel to the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area. It offers modern amenities without the congestion, and its central location and convenient access make it a smart option for travellers. The airport opens daily at 4:00 AM, providing scheduled commercial passenger flights across Northwest Florida, from Panama City to Pensacola.

A range of airlines serve VPS, including Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. The airport features a 116,000 sq ft passenger terminal with five second-level gates and three ground-level gates, all equipped with passenger jetways. The terminal includes areas for ticketing, baggage claim, and waiting, as well as concession areas on both levels. Concourse C, completed in 2022, is exclusively used by Allegiant Air and features five ground-level gates with food and beverage options.

VPS has a rich history, previously named Northwest Florida Regional Airport and Okaloosa Regional Airport. It has undergone expansions and upgrades over the years, including the addition of new shade canopies and jet bridges, and improvements to parking facilities. The airport is easily accessible from State Road 85, with short-term and long-term parking options available.

Destin Executive Airport (DTS)

Destin Executive Airport covers an area of 395 acres (160 hectares) and sits at an elevation of 22.6 feet (approximately 7 metres) above mean sea level. It features a single runway, designated 14/32, with an asphalt surface measuring 5,001 by 100 feet (1,524 by 30 metres). The airport operates from sunrise to sunset and has a lighted land airport indicator.

For the 12-month period ending December 31, 2018, Destin Executive Airport recorded 63,987 aircraft operations, averaging 175 per day. The majority (99%) of these operations were general aviation, with a small percentage of air taxi (1%) and military (less than 1%) flights. As of April 2022, 61 aircraft were based at the airport, including 31 single-engine, 14 multi-engine, 11 jet, and 5 helicopter aircraft.

The airport is included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2021–2025 and is categorised as a general aviation facility. Due to its proximity to Eglin Air Force Base, flights to and from Destin Executive Airport must follow "special air traffic rules" and obtain ATC clearance before entering the Eglin/Valparaiso terminal area.

Airlines serving Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport

Destin, Florida, is served by Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (IATA: VPS, ICAO: KVPS, FAA LID: VPS), which is located within Eglin Air Force Base, near Valparaiso, Destin, and Fort Walton Beach, in Okaloosa County, Florida. The airport is just under 16 miles away from Destin and takes approximately 25 minutes to get to.

Several airlines serve the Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport, including:

• ALLEGIANT
• AMERICAN AIRLINES
• DELTA AIRLINES
• SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
• UNITED AIRLINES

These airlines offer scheduled commercial passenger air service to various destinations across the United States, with connections to other cities and countries. The airport is known for its modern amenities and convenient, hassle-free access, making it a preferred gateway for travellers visiting the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area.

In addition to these major airlines, Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport has also welcomed new airlines in recent years, including Avelo Airlines, which offers exclusive nonstop service to various destinations. The airport continues to expand and improve its facilities, with new shade canopies and jet bridges being added in 2023.

Location of the airport

Destin, Florida, is served by several airports, including the Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), the Pensacola International Airport (PNS), and the Tallahassee International Airport (TLH).

Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)

The Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport is located at 1701 State Road 85 N, just under 16 miles from Destin, and is operated by the Okaloosa County Airport Administration. The airport is within Eglin Air Force Base, adjacent to the city of Valparaiso, and near the cities of Destin and Fort Walton Beach, in Okaloosa County, Florida. It is conveniently located for travellers due to its proximity to Destin and its range of major airlines, including American Airlines, Allegiant Air, Delta, Silver Airways, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. The airport provides a central location to popular accommodations and activities, with hassle-free access, making it a smart option for those travelling to the region.

Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)

The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is located 52 miles from Destin and is serviced by premier airlines such as American, Delta, Southwest, and United. This modern facility offers direct flights from cities like Baltimore, St. Louis, Austin, and Nashville.

Pensacola International Airport (PNS)

The Pensacola International Airport is situated 56 miles from Destin and is served by United, Southwest, Spirit, Silver Airways, Frontier, Delta, and American Airlines. This airport provides a range of shopping and dining options, as well as comprehensive ground transportation services, including taxis, ride-sharing, shuttles, courtesy cars, and rental car kiosks.

Tallahassee International Airport (TLH)

The Tallahassee International Airport is the furthest option, located 165 miles from Destin. However, it offers travellers a chance to experience a road trip en route to their vacation destination. This city-owned airport is served by American Airlines, Delta, Silver Airways, and JetBlue, with rental car services available for the journey to Destin.

History of the airport

Destin, Florida, is served by two airports: Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) and Destin Executive Airport (DTS).

History of Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport

The airport that would become Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport opened in 1957 as the Okaloosa County Air Terminal, located within Eglin Air Force Base, near Valparaiso, Florida. The airport code, VPS, comes from the city of Valparaiso. The airport's original airline was Southern Airways, which operated Douglas DC-3s direct to Atlanta via several stops. Passengers entered through the East Gate near Valparaiso.

In 1967, Southern Airways introduced the Douglas DC-9-10 jetliner to VPS, becoming the first airline to operate jets into the airport. The following year, Southern Airways offered daily nonstop DC-9-10 jet service to Atlanta and New Orleans, with direct flights to New York City LaGuardia Airport and Washington D.C. Dulles Airport.

In February 1975, the new James E. Plew Terminal Building of the Okaloosa Air Terminal opened, costing $1.7 million. That year, Southern Airways was the sole airline serving VPS, with 12 departing flights daily.

In 1977, South Central Air Transport (SCAT), a commuter air carrier, began serving the airport with flights to New Orleans, Mobile, Montgomery, and Panama City.

In 1979, Southern Airways merged with North Central Airlines to become Republic Airlines. Republic Airlines operated nonstop flights to several destinations, including Atlanta, Dothan, Mobile, New Orleans, Orlando, and Tallahassee.

In the 1980s, Delta Air Lines and Eastern Air Lines added nonstop service to Atlanta via their respective regional airline code-sharing partners, Delta Connection and Eastern Metro Express. Air New Orleans, a commuter airline, also served VPS during this decade with Beechcraft C99 turboprop and Piper prop aircraft.

In 1986, Northwest Airlines completed its merger with Republic Airlines. Northwest Airlines operated nonstop flights to Memphis, a former Republic and Southern Airways hub.

In 1998, AirTran Airways served VPS with jet service, offering nonstop flights to Atlanta and direct service to Washington, D.C. Dulles Airport.

In November 2004, the Northwest Florida Regional Airport opened following an expansion with more parking, a larger aircraft parking apron, a second parallel taxiway, landscaping, and a new 110,000 sq ft passenger terminal.

In January 2010, Delta Air Lines completed its merger with Northwest Airlines and discontinued service to Memphis in favor of nonstop flights to Atlanta.

In February 2015, Northwest Florida Regional Airport changed its name to Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport.

In May 2016, Allegiant Air began scheduled service to VPS from several destinations, including Cincinnati, Ft Lauderdale, and Oklahoma City.

In September 2016, Contour Airlines began seasonal service from Bowling Green, Kentucky, to VPS using 30-seat British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 41 turboprop aircraft.

In January 2017, Allegiant Air announced a major expansion with a new base of operations at VPS, serving 18 domestic destinations by June 2017.

In May 2019, Silver Airways began daily service to Orlando from VPS using a 34-seat Saab 340 turboprop aircraft.

In May 2021, Southwest Airlines began service to VPS with flights to Dallas-Love, Nashville, Baltimore/Washington, and Chicago/Midway.

History of Destin Executive Airport

Destin Executive Airport is a general aviation airport located in Okaloosa County, Florida. With a 5,000-foot runway and full-service amenities, it is a vital transportation resource for the county and supports local military operations. The airport offers comfortable, first-class facilities for travelers and pilots alike.

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