Jacksonville Airport: A Traveler's Worst Nightmare?

Jacksonville International Airport (IATA: JAX, ICAO: KJAX, FAA LID: JAX) is a civil-military public airport 13 miles (21 km) north of Downtown Jacksonville, Florida. The airport has been the site of several incidents, including a plane hijacking in 1971 and a plane crash in 1984 that killed 11 passengers and 2 crew members. Construction at the airport is expected to be completed by late 2026, and it offers perks like free Wi-Fi, convenient parking, and an array of shopping and dining options. While it is one of at least 28 airports in Jacksonville, it is the primary airport that people think of when it comes to aviation in Northeast Florida.

Construction and expansion

One significant project is the development of Concourse B, which began construction in 2024 with an estimated completion date of 2025 or 2026. This $200-$300 million project will add six new gates to the terminal, bringing the total number of gates at the airport to 26. The concourse will be a three-level, 186,733-square-foot (or 190,000-square-foot, according to another source) structure with space for concessions, restrooms, and seating areas at each gate, as well as moving sidewalks to and from the main terminal.

The construction of Concourse B is being managed by Balfour Beatty Construction LLC, a company with a 20-year partnership with the airport that has yielded over 20 projects, including previous expansions and improvements. The project has undergone several delays, with preliminary plans dating back to 2007, but the final design was only finalised in 2023 after environmental studies and assessments.

In addition to the new concourse, the expansion project includes a checkpoint expansion, runway expansion, and the construction of a six-story parking garage, which will provide 2,200 additional parking spaces. The total estimated cost of the project, including the parking garage, is $400 million.

The Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) has stated that the expansion is necessary to accommodate the growing number of travellers and flights at the airport, improve the customer experience, and enhance Jacksonville's economic growth.

Passenger safety

Jacksonville International Airport (IATA: JAX, ICAO: KJAX, FAA LID: JAX) is a civil-military public airport in Florida. The airport covers 7,911 acres and has two concrete runways. The terminal has a baggage claim area on the first floor and a ticketing area on the second floor. The airport has direct public transit service to Jacksonville Transportation Authority's bus network.

Regarding passenger safety, the airport has a few features in place. Firstly, the airport has a separate layout for departing and arriving passengers, with departing passengers on an upper level and arriving passengers on the lower level. This organized flow may help in monitoring passenger movement and preventing unauthorized access. Additionally, the airport provides a range of ground transportation services, including rental car agencies, hotel shuttles, taxi and limousine services, and app-based ride services, located on the lower level of the terminal building, adjacent to baggage claim. This regulated transportation system can ensure passengers' safe and efficient travel to and from the airport.

The airport also boasts a fully equipped USAF Crash Fire Rescue station, provided by the Air National Guard. This enhances the airport's emergency response capabilities and augments its own fire department. With regards to ongoing construction, travellers are advised to stay updated through Jax Beyond to anticipate potential adjustments to parking and other facilities during this period.

In terms of general safety, passengers are advised to follow standard airport procedures, such as arriving early, allowing sufficient time for security checks, and adhering to any guidelines or instructions provided by airport staff and authorities. It is also recommended to utilize reputable ground transportation services, such as professional limousine or car services, to ensure a safe and timely journey to and from the airport.

While there is no indication of any significant safety concerns at Jacksonville International Airport, passengers are always advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or potential safety hazards to the appropriate authorities.

Public transport links

Jacksonville Airport offers a range of public transport options to suit different needs and preferences. For those who want a more personalised experience, taxi and limousine services are available at the Airport Courtesy Desk on the lower level near baggage claim. Alternatively, you can use ride-share services like Lyft, with designated pick-up and drop-off points outside the terminal.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, the AirJTA Express bus service is a convenient choice. The CT3 bus departs from outside the terminal and goes directly to downtown Jacksonville. You can find route information and schedules at the courtesy desk in the arrivals area or by contacting the Jacksonville Transportation Authority. Additionally, airport shuttle buses and vans are available, and you can also pick up a rental car from outside baggage claim.

For passengers with mobility needs, Jacksonville Airport provides wheelchair services and moving walkways to ensure a smooth journey. Hotel shuttles and short-term parking are also available for added convenience.

Overall, Jacksonville Airport offers a variety of public transport options to suit different traveller needs, whether you prefer the convenience of a taxi or the affordability of a bus.

Passenger experience

Jacksonville International Airport (IATA: JAX, ICAO: KJAX, FAA LID: JAX) is a civil-military public airport 13 miles (21 km) north of Downtown Jacksonville, in Duval County, Florida. The airport covers 7,911 acres (3,201 ha) and has two concrete runways. The terminal has a baggage claim area on the first floor and a ticketing area on the second floor, with shops, restaurants, and a security checkpoint on the mezzanine level. The airport also has a Delta Sky Club and a multi-airline passenger club.

Passengers can take the Route 1 bus to downtown Jacksonville, with connections to Greyhound Bus Lines and the Jacksonville Skyway monorail system. There are also rental car agencies, hotel shuttles, taxi, limousine, and app-based ride services located on the lower level of the terminal building.

The airport offers free Wi-Fi, convenient parking, rocking chairs, world-class art exhibits, and a variety of shopping and dining options. There are three galleries located off the main courtyard before the security checkpoint, featuring art, regional history, and aviation history exhibits.

Construction is expected to be completed by late 2026, so passengers should anticipate potential adjustments to parking during this period. The airport is also in the process of rebuilding Concourse B, which will add six additional gates with the ability to expand to up to 10 gates.

Overall, passengers can expect a typical airport experience at Jacksonville International Airport, with convenient transportation options, amenities, and entertainment to make their travel more comfortable and enjoyable.

Military presence

Northeast Florida has a strong military presence, which has a significant economic impact on the region, providing stability and diversity within the local community. The area has about 75,000 active-duty, reserve, and civilian personnel, accounting for 14% of the area's workforce.

Jacksonville is home to two important US Navy facilities. Naval Station Mayport, home to the Navy's 4th Fleet, is a seaport and air facility that employs about 13,000 military personnel. Naval Air Station Jacksonville, along the St. Johns River, has about 12,000 military personnel and 7,000 civilian employees. A third US Navy base, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in nearby Southeast Georgia, brings another 5,000 military and 2,000 civilian employees to the region. Other military installations in the area include the Camp Blanding Joint Training Center in Clay County, a major training site for the Florida National Guard, and the Marine Corps Blount Island Command, which provides prepositioning services for the Marines and employs nearly 1,000 people.

The military provides an important training ground for businesses in Northeast Florida, and many veterans decide to stay in the region after retirement due to the access to quality healthcare and appealing lifestyle. This has helped spawn a growing aerospace industry in the region, with many major defense contracts taking advantage of the area's assets. For example, Northrop Grumman is St. Johns County's largest corporate employer, with more than 1,000 employees at its facility at Northeast Florida Regional Airport in St. Augustine. The area's largest hub of private aerospace activity is the Cecil Commerce Center, located on the site of Jacksonville's former third naval air station. In addition to conventional aircraft, Cecil is also equipped to handle spaceflight, with Cecil Spaceport being the only licensed horizontal launch commercial spaceport on the East Coast. Other aerospace firms in the area include Embraer, which is building its A-29 Super Tucanos aircraft at Jacksonville International Airport, and Kaman Aerospace, which produces commercial airplanes at Imeson Industrial Park, the site of Jacksonville's original public airport.

Frequently asked questions