Sandusky, Ohio: Airport Access And Travel Options

Sandusky, Ohio, previously had its own airport, the Griffing Sandusky Airport, which was located 3 miles southeast of the city. However, the airport closed permanently on December 31, 2013, and was replaced by a sports park. Today, the closest airport to Sandusky is the Sandusky County Regional Airport, located in Clyde, outside of Fremont, Ohio. This airport serves greater Northwest Ohio and provides various services, including 24-hour jet fuel access and heated hangar space. For those seeking international or domestic flights, the nearest major airports are Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which are approximately 58 miles and 101 miles away from Sandusky, respectively.

Sandusky County Regional Airport

Sandusky, Ohio, is served by the Sandusky County Regional Airport, located in Clyde, outside of Fremont, Ohio. The airport serves greater Northwest Ohio, providing 24-hour jet fuel access, heated hangar space, and other services. It has a fixed-base operator that sells avgas and jet fuel, as well as offering amenities such as general maintenance, catering, courtesy transportation, a conference room, a crew lounge, and showers. The airport also has local restaurants, accommodation, and entertainment options nearby.

The Sandusky County Regional Airport Authority holds monthly meetings, with the next one scheduled for March 20, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. at the airport itself. The airport has been recognised as the Sandusky County People's Choice in multiple years, including 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015.

In May 2022, the airport received funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Ohio Department of Transportation to reconstruct Apron A. Unfortunately, on May 6, 2023, a Piper PA-28 Cherokee crashed shortly after departing from the airport due to technical difficulties.

Griffing Sandusky Airport

In the year ending May 6, 2008, the airport's operations were distributed as follows: 58% general aviation, 40% air taxi, and 1% military. 44 aircraft were then based at the airport: 79.5% single-engine and 20.5% multi-engine. Griffing Sandusky Airport experienced several incidents involving aircraft damage. On August 10, 2002, a Cessna Citation 500 was damaged during a deer strike while departing from the airport. The pilot continued the takeoff and diverted to Toledo Express Airport (TOL), where nose landing gear issues were addressed.

On July 20, 2003, a Piper PA-28 was substantially damaged during a go-around at the airport. The probable cause was found to be the presence of a twin-engine airplane on a taxiway near the runway, causing the pilot to make manoeuvres that led to engine issues and a heavy yoke. On May 4, 2011, a Commander 114B airplane was damaged while landing, as the pilot lost directional control and the aircraft veered off the runway.

Today, Fly Griffing offers private jet/airplane charter services from Port Clinton, OH, allowing travellers to bring oversized baggage and travel with their pets. These charter flights offer flexibility in scheduling and destination choices, providing a personalized and exclusive travel experience.

Closest airports to Sandusky

Sandusky, Ohio, is served by several airports in the region, with varying distances from the city. The closest airport to Sandusky was the Griffing Sandusky Airport (KSKY), which was located just 3 miles southeast of the city. However, this airport closed permanently on December 31, 2013, and was replaced by a sports park called the Cedar Point Sports Center, which opened in spring 2017.

The next closest airport is Erie-Ottawa International Airport in Port Clinton, which is 13 miles from Sandusky. For those seeking a major international airport, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE/KCLE) is a good option, located 58 miles from Sandusky. This airport is noted for being smaller and easier to navigate, with a drive of about an hour to Sandusky.

Other local airports in the region include Carl R Keller Field (15 miles away), Kelly's Island Airport (21 miles away), Put-In-Bay Airport (23 miles away), and North Bass Island Airport (30 miles away). Additionally, there are several other international airports within a 100-200 mile radius of Sandusky, including Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (101 miles away) and Port Columbus International Airport (114 miles away).

When considering the best airport to fly into when visiting Sandusky, it is worth taking into account factors such as flight availability, rental car options, and driving distances to your final destination.

Aviation incidents at Sandusky airports

Sandusky, Ohio, is served by the Sandusky County Regional Airport, which is located in Clyde, outside of Fremont, Ohio. The airport serves greater Northwest Ohio and provides 24-hour jet fuel access, heated hangar space, and other services.

Previously, there was also the Griffing Sandusky Airport, a public airport in Erie County, Ohio, next to Sandusky Bay, three miles southeast of Sandusky. However, this airport permanently closed on December 31, 2013, with all hangars and the entrance demolished in April 2016.

Over the years, there have been several aviation incidents at these airports. Here is a list of some notable occurrences:

Griffing Sandusky Airport:

• On July 20, 2003, a Piper PA-28 was significantly damaged during a go-around. The probable cause was a collision with a deer during a night takeoff.
• On May 4, 2011, a Commander 114B airplane was substantially damaged while landing. The aircraft veered left, and the pilot was unable to regain directional control.
• On August 10, 2002, a Cessna Citation 500 was damaged during a deer strike while departing from the airport. The deer impacted the nose gear, but the pilot was able to divert to Toledo Express Airport safely.

Sandusky County Regional Airport:

On May 6, 2023, a Piper PA-28 Cherokee crashed after departing the airport. The plane encountered trouble after takeoff and was attempting to return to the airport.

Sandusky City Airport:

• On August 10, 2016, a Piper J5C impacted a ditch after landing. The probable cause was the pilot's improper landing flare, resulting in a bounced landing and subsequent loss of control.
• On August 30, 2020, a Piper PA-28 Archer II experienced a runway overrun when a passenger retracted the throttle during takeoff.

Airport services and amenities

Sandusky, Ohio, is served by the Sandusky County Regional Airport, located in Clyde, outside of Fremont, Ohio. The airport offers 24-hour jet fuel access, heated hangar space, and a variety of other services and amenities.

The airport has a fixed-base operator that provides avgas and jet fuel, as well as a range of amenities, including general maintenance, catering, courtesy transportation, a conference room, a crew lounge, and showers. Additionally, the airport is located near top destinations such as Lake Erie and Cedar Point, providing easy access to local restaurants, accommodation, and entertainment.

The Sandusky County Regional Airport also received funding for infrastructure improvements, including a $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation in May 2022 for the reconstruction of Apron A. This demonstrates the airport's commitment to enhancing its facilities and services.

Prior to its closure in 2013, the Griffing Sandusky Airport was another airport serving Sandusky, Ohio. This airport was located in Erie County, next to Sandusky Bay, and offered scheduled passenger service until its closure. While this airport is no longer operational, it played a significant role in the region's aviation history.

Overall, the Sandusky County Regional Airport in Fremont, Ohio, offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities to meet the needs of pilots, passengers, and visitors. With its convenient location, modern facilities, and continuous improvement initiatives, the airport strives to provide a safe and enjoyable travel experience for all its users.

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