Florida's Commercial Airports: A Comprehensive Overview

Florida has a wide-ranging network of airports, with 20 airports providing scheduled passenger service and general aviation services, 109 public-use airports, and 11 private-use landing fields. The state has the most international and domestic airports in the US, with 140 airports in total. Florida's aviation industry generates $336 billion in economic activity and supports 1.4 million jobs. The five busiest airports in the state are Miami International Airport, Orlando International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Tampa International Airport, and Southwest Florida International Airport.

Florida's Commercial Airports

Florida has 140 airports in total

Florida, also known as the "Sunshine State", has 140 airports in total. This includes 20 airports that provide scheduled passenger service and general aviation services, 109 public-use airports, and 11 private-use landing fields. Florida's excellent flying weather, varying from humid sub-tropical in the north to semi-tropical in the south, makes it a popular destination for travellers. The state boasts an abundance of tourist attractions, including beaches, theme parks, and historical sites.

Florida's airports play a crucial role in the state's thriving aviation industry, generating $336 billion in economic activity and supporting approximately 1.4 million jobs. These airports serve as international gateways and local economic hubs, connecting Florida's communities to the world and facilitating tourism, commerce, and job creation. Among the notable airports in Florida are the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Miami International Airport (MIA), and Orlando International Airport (MCO).

Miami International Airport, a major hub for American Airlines, is the busiest airport in Florida. It offers direct services to Central America, the Caribbean, and long-haul international flights across the Atlantic. Orlando International Airport, spanning over 13,000 acres, is another popular airport in Florida, attracting several airlines to establish hubs at this location. It serves as a hub for Silver Airways and an operating base for Avelo Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines.

In addition to the major airports, Florida also has several smaller local airports that cater to private and general aviation needs. These include the Apalachicola Regional Airport, Avon Park Executive Airport, Bartow Municipal Airport, and Craig Municipal Airport, to name a few. The wide range of airports in Florida contributes to its reputation as a leader in aviation and a top travel destination in the United States.

20 airports provide scheduled passenger services

Florida is a state with a large number of airports, serving a high volume of domestic and international travellers. The state has 140 airports in total, including 11 private-use landing fields and 109 public-use airports. Of these, 20 airports provide scheduled passenger services.

The 20 airports that provide scheduled passenger services are:

• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
• Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport
• Miami International Airport
• Miami Executive Airport
• Opa-locka Executive Airport
• Southwest Florida International Airport
• Tampa International Airport
• St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport
• Orlando International Airport
• Orlando Sanford International Airport
• Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport
• Gainesville Regional Airport
• Jacksonville International Airport
• Key West International Airport
• Melbourne Orlando International Airport
• Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport
• Pensacola International Airport
• Tallahassee International Airport
• Palm Beach International Airport
• Daytona Beach International Airport

These airports vary in size, with some being among the largest in the United States. For example, Southwest Florida International Airport is the third-largest airport in the US based on land size. Meanwhile, Miami International Airport is one of the most extensive airports in the country and is Florida's busiest airport.

Florida's airports are vital to its economy, generating $336 billion in economic activity and supporting 1.4 million jobs. They serve as international gateways and local economic hubs, connecting Florida's communities to the world and enabling tourism, commerce, and job creation.

109 airports are public-use

Florida has 109 public-use airports, which are the backbone of a thriving aviation industry that generates $336 billion in economic activity and supports 1.4 million jobs. The state's airports serve as international gateways and local economic hubs, connecting Florida's communities to the world and enabling tourism, commerce, and job creation.

The 109 public-use airports include major airports such as Miami International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, as well as smaller local airports like Apalachicola Regional Airport, Avon Park Executive Airport, and Bartow Municipal Airport. These airports vary in size and services offered, with some providing scheduled passenger service, general aviation services, or a combination of both.

The Florida Airports Council (FAC) plays a crucial role in the growth and success of the state's aviation industry. Through advocacy, education, and professional development, the FAC empowers its members to excel in airport management and operations. Their year-round conferences, webinars, and training programs equip members with the tools to meet current challenges and prepare for the future.

Florida's vast network of public-use airports is a testament to the state's commitment to embracing innovation and investment in its aviation infrastructure. By developing, improving, and expanding its airport facilities, Florida ensures safe and efficient travel for the tens of millions of domestic and international visitors who pass through its airports each year.

11 airports are private-use landing fields

Florida has 140 airports in total, including 11 private-use landing fields and 109 public-use airports. The state has the most international and domestic airports in the US, with 20 airports providing scheduled passenger service and general aviation services.

Private-use landing fields in Florida include Ridge Landing Airpark, Kathrinstadt Airport, Hidden Lake Airport, and Greystone Airport. Private airports are not open to the public and are typically owned by individuals or corporations. They may be used by the owners for personal flights or leased out to other pilots for a fee. Private airports are often smaller and have fewer facilities than public-use airports.

Florida's private-use landing fields are an important part of the state's aviation infrastructure. While they may not see the same volume of traffic as the larger, public airports, they offer an alternative option for pilots and aviation enthusiasts. These private fields also contribute to the state's thriving aviation industry, which generates $336 billion in economic activity and supports 1.4 million jobs.

In addition to the private-use landing fields, Florida is home to many notable public-use airports, including some of the largest and busiest in the country. These include Miami International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. With its abundance of airports, Florida ensures strong connectivity for its communities and supports a thriving tourism industry.

The busiest airport is Miami International Airport

Florida is a state with a wide-ranging network of airports. The state has 140 airports in total, including 11 private-use landing fields and 109 public-use airports. Florida's airports are the backbone of a thriving aviation industry, generating $336 billion in economic activity and supporting 1.4 million jobs.

The busiest airport in Florida is Miami International Airport (MIA). In 2022, MIA served 50.68 million passengers, making it one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States. It is a major hub for American Airlines and is known as the "Gateway to the Americas" due to its connections to Latin America and the Caribbean. The airport offers direct services to many Central American and Caribbean countries, with nearly 50 destinations in the Caribbean and the Bahamas alone. It is also a primary airport for long-haul international flights across the Atlantic Ocean, serving 18 different passenger carriers on international routes. MIA's location makes it an ideal gateway to the Americas and a key hub for international travel.

MIA's extensive operations are largely served by American Airlines, which has established Miami Airport as one of its hubs. The airline has been increasing its operations from the airport, recently adding new services to Jamaica and Orange County. MIA is also served by other major airlines, including Delta Air Lines, the longest-serving domestic airline at Tampa International Airport, which is located near MIA.

MIA's role as a busy international airport is further enhanced by its ability to handle long-haul flights. The airport expects to record a European capacity of 1.25 million departing seats to Europe in the upcoming winter season. This expansion includes unique destinations such as Oslo Airport (OSL) with Norse Atlantic Airways and Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) and Copenhagen Airport (CPH) with Scandinavian Airlines. Other notable long-haul destinations include Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Qatar, Istanbul Airport (IST) in Turkey, London Heathrow International Airport (LHR), and Charles de Gaulle International Airport (CDG) in Paris.

MIA's status as the busiest airport in Florida is a result of its extensive connections, large passenger volume, and role as a hub for major airlines. It serves as a vital gateway to Florida, contributing significantly to the state's thriving aviation industry and economic growth.

Frequently asked questions