Ocala Airport: Commercial Flights Available?

Despite its name, Ocala International Airport does not currently offer commercial airline services. The last airline flight left Ocala in 1987 when USAir Express pulled out. However, there are plans to bring commercial flights to the airport, which would provide greater convenience for residents in the area.

Ocala International Airport does not currently have commercial flights

Ocala International Airport is located five miles west of Ocala in Marion County, Florida. The airport covers 1,532 acres at an elevation of 90 feet and has two asphalt runways. It opened in the early 1960s, replacing the previous Taylor Field just southwest of Ocala. At the time, Eastern Airlines operated a daily Convair 440 flight serving Jacksonville, Gainesville, Ocala, Vero Beach, and Miami. Eastern later operated Lockheed L-188 Electra turboprop service, with the last Electra flight departing Ocala in 1972.

While Ocala International Airport does not currently offer commercial flights, it still handles a significant number of aircraft operations. For the year ending October 31, 2022, the airport recorded 58,465 aircraft operations, averaging 160 per day. The majority of these operations were general aviation (95%), followed by air taxi (3%), and a small percentage of military flights (1%).

The airport has undergone several upgrades and expansions over the years. In 2004, a $1.3 million plan was implemented to upgrade the apron security system. In May 2009, construction began on an air traffic control tower, which was certified and staffed in the summer of 2010. More recently, a new terminal building was completed in the spring of 2020.

Although commercial flights are not currently available at Ocala International Airport, nearby airports such as Gainesville Regional Airport, about 31 miles south, offer commercial flight services. Additionally, websites like Travelocity offer tips and discounts on flights from nearby airports, providing alternatives for those residing in or travelling to Ocala.

The last commercial airline flight left Ocala in 1987

Ocala International Airport, also known as Ocala International Airport-Jim Taylor Field, is located in Marion County, Florida, United States. Despite its name, the airport does not currently have any commercial airlines operating flights to or from the facility. In fact, the last commercial airline flight departed from Ocala all the way back in 1987, when USAir Express pulled out.

The airport first opened its doors in the early 1960s, replacing the previous Taylor Field just southwest of Ocala. Initially, the airport's 5000-foot runway was served by Eastern Airlines, which operated a single Convair 440 flight per day. This flight connected several cities in Florida, including Jacksonville, Gainesville, Ocala, Vero Beach, and Miami. In addition to Eastern Airlines, other airlines that served Ocala included Air Florida, which offered jet services to various destinations, and Skyway Commuter, which provided Beechcraft turboprops and Piper prop services to Gainesville and Orlando.

Following the departure of the last commercial flight in 1987, the airport underwent significant upgrades, including extending the main runway to 6,900 feet and adding an instrument landing approach. These improvements allowed the airport to accommodate larger jet aircraft and were intended to attract new airline services. However, despite these enhancements, scheduled passenger airline services never resumed at Ocala International Airport.

While commercial airline services may not have returned, the airport remained operational and continued to see aircraft movements. For the year ending October 31, 2022, the airport recorded 58,465 aircraft operations, averaging 160 per day. The majority of these operations were categorized as general aviation (95%), with a small percentage attributed to air taxi (3%) and military flights (1%). Additionally, a small number of charter flights with commercial jets became routine, including Chartered Delta 757s carrying visiting teams to the University of Florida.

In recent years, the airport has continued to invest in upgrades, including the construction of a new terminal building, which was completed in the spring of 2020. These ongoing improvements ensure that the airport remains a vital aviation hub for the region, despite the absence of commercial airline services.

Commercial flights may be coming to the airport in the future

Commercial flights may be coming to Ocala International Airport in the future. Despite its name, the airport, located in Marion County, Florida, does not currently have any commercial airlines operating from it. The last airline flight departed from Ocala in 1987, and since then, the airport has only facilitated general aviation, air taxi, and military operations.

However, there is a growing demand for commercial flights to return to the airport. The Ocala CEP five-year plan aims to bring commercial flights and more jobs to the airport, addressing the needs of residents who wish for a more convenient travel option. Some residents have expressed their support for this idea, citing the inconvenience of having to travel to nearby cities like Orlando, Tampa, or Gainesville for their flights. The addition of commercial flights would enhance the appeal of living in Ocala and reduce travel time and costs for residents.

The airport has undergone significant developments over the years, including the expansion of its facilities, the construction of a new air traffic control tower, and the completion of a new terminal building in 2020. These improvements position the airport well for potentially accommodating commercial flights in the future.

While there is enthusiasm for the prospect of commercial flights, there are also residents who prefer the current state of the airport. Some residents, particularly those living nearby, value the quietness of the area and are concerned about the impact of larger planes flying over their homes.

As the airport continues to develop and seek progress, the voices of the community will play a crucial role in shaping its future. The Ocala Airport Advisory Board serves as a channel for community input and positive communication with airport users, ensuring that any changes made are compatible with the surrounding environment and the needs of the residents.

The airport is also known as Ocala International Airport-Jim Taylor Field

Ocala International Airport (IATA: OCF, ICAO: KOCF, FAA LID: OCF) is also known as Ocala International Airport-Jim Taylor Field. The airport is located five miles west of Ocala, in Marion County, Florida, United States. It opened in the early 1960s, replacing the previous Taylor Field just southwest of Ocala. The airport's 5000-foot runway was initially served by Eastern Airlines, which operated a daily Convair 440 flight with a routing of Jacksonville (JAX) - Gainesville (GNV) - Ocala (OCF) - Vero Beach (VRB) - Miami (MIA) and return.

Eastern Airlines later transitioned to operating the Lockheed L-188 Electra turboprop service, with the last Electra flight departing Ocala in 1972. Subsequent scheduled passenger airline services included Air Florida, which provided jet services to various destinations in Florida, including Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Gainesville.

Despite its name, Ocala International Airport-Jim Taylor Field does not accommodate commercial airline flights. The last airline flight operating from the airport was in 1987, provided by USAir Express before they withdrew their services. Since then, the airport has undergone expansions and improvements, including the addition of a 3,000-foot crosswind runway and the extension of the main runway to 6,900 feet.

The airport covers a significant area of 1,532 acres (620 hectares) at an elevation of 90 feet (27 meters). It features two asphalt runways: runway 18/36, measuring 7,467 feet by 150 feet (2,276 meters by 46 meters), and runway 8/26, measuring 3,009 feet by 50 feet (917 meters by 15 meters). In 2020, a new terminal building was completed, enhancing the airport's facilities.

The airport covers 1,532 acres and has two asphalt runways

Ocala International Airport, also known as Ocala International Airport-Jim Taylor Field, is located five miles west of Ocala in Marion County, Florida. Despite its name, the airport does not currently accommodate commercial flights. The last airline flight departed from Ocala in 1987, operated by USAir Express. Since then, the airport has undergone significant developments, including the expansion of its facilities with a new 3,000-foot crosswind runway and the extension of the main runway to 6,900 feet.

The airport covers a vast area of 1,532 acres, boasting two asphalt runways. The first runway, designated as 18/36, measures 7,467 feet in length and 150 feet in width. This substantial length enables various aircraft types to utilise the runway, including larger planes requiring a longer runway for takeoff and landing. The second runway, identified as 8/26, spans 3,009 feet in length and 50 feet in width.

The two runways at Ocala International Airport provide flexibility and contribute to efficient air traffic management. They can accommodate different aircraft sizes and types, ensuring smooth operations for the diverse range of aviation activities that take place at the airport. The presence of two runways also enhances safety by providing an additional option for takeoffs and landings, reducing potential congestion, and allowing for more efficient aircraft movement on the ground.

The airport's infrastructure, including its expansive acreage and well-equipped runways, positions it well for potential future commercial flight operations. While there are currently no commercial airlines serving the airport, there have been discussions and aspirations among residents and local authorities to introduce commercial flights to Ocala International Airport. Such a development would enhance travel options and convenience for the community, providing direct access to air travel without the need to travel to nearby cities like Orlando or Tampa.

In conclusion, Ocala International Airport's coverage of 1,532 acres and its two asphalt runways showcase its capacity and potential. While currently serving general aviation and air taxi operations, the airport's infrastructure lays a solid foundation for potential future expansion into commercial flight services. The addition of commercial flights to the airport would be a significant development for the region, offering increased travel convenience and accessibility for residents and businesses in Marion County.

Frequently asked questions