Owais Crawford
Key West International Airport, located in Monroe County, Florida, has undergone significant changes and improvements over the years, with a recent focus on enhancing the comfort and functionality of its terminals and concourses. With a history dating back to the early days of aviation in the region, the airport has played a vital role in connecting Key West to the rest of the world. But is the airport air-conditioned?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Air conditioning | Present in the new concourse and the new arrivals hall |
| Concourse | 48,802 square feet |
| Jet bridges | Eight air-conditioned glass jet bridges |
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What You'll Learn
History of Key West International Airport
The history of Key West International Airport (IATA: EYW, ICAO: KEYW, FAA LID: EYW) dates back to the early days of aviation in Key West, Florida. The city's aviation history began in 1913 when Augustin Parla made a flight to Cuba. However, the airport's origins can be traced back to the opening of Meacham Field, which served as a crucial aviation facility during World War II.
In January 1953, the city of Key West transferred the ownership of Meacham Field to Monroe County, enabling the county to seek Federal Aviation Administration grants. Around the same time, the airport was renamed Key West International Airport. The airport's early operations included National Airlines, which began flights to Miami in 1944 using Lockheed Lodestar twin-prop aircraft. The airport lacked a paved runway until around 1956, and in 1957, Key West Airport opened with a single terminal.
During the 1960s, the airport witnessed significant developments. In 1968, National Airlines introduced the first jet flights to Key West, utilising Boeing 727-100s for nonstop service to Miami. By 1969, National Airlines expanded its jet service, offering daily direct flights to major cities like Washington, Philadelphia, and New York via intermediate stops.
The 1970s and 1980s saw a variety of commuter and regional airlines serving Key West, primarily with nonstop flights to Miami and other destinations in Florida. Airlines such as Air Florida Commuter, Dolphin Airlines, Jetstream International Airlines, and Provincetown-Boston Airlines offered turboprop and prop aircraft services during this period.
In the early 1990s, jet service to Key West was discontinued by USAir and Eastern Air Lines, resulting in a decade where all commercial flights to the airport were operated by propeller aircraft. Cape Air began serving Key West in 1993, and by 1996, they expanded their services to include flights to Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers.
In 2002, Delta Connection carrier Atlantic Southeast Airlines reintroduced regional jet service to Key West, offering flights to Atlanta. In 2009, mainline jet service returned with AirTran Airways, providing flights to Orlando International Airport. This marked the introduction of Key West's first low-cost carrier, and the airport's runway became the shortest in North America to be regularly used by 737s.
Over the years, Key West International Airport has continued to expand and improve its facilities, receiving grants for runway projects and doubling its size with the addition of a new terminal in 2009.
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Airlines that service the airport
Key West International Airport, located 2 miles (3.2 km) east of Key West, Florida, has been serviced by various airlines over the years, some of which are listed below:
National Airlines:
National Airlines was one of the early operators at Key West International Airport, commencing flights to Miami using Lockheed Lodestar twin-prop aircraft in 1944. Over the years, they operated various aircraft types, including Convair 340, Convair 440, and Lockheed L-188 Electra turboprops. In 1968, National Airlines introduced the first jet flights to Key West with Boeing 727-100s, offering non-stop service to Miami. By 1969, they were operating daily jet services to major hubs like Washington, Philadelphia, and New York via intermediate stops.
Delta Air Lines:
Delta Air Lines has a significant presence at Key West International Airport, providing connections to their hub in Orlando. They upgraded some of their Atlanta flights to mainline service on Boeing 737s in 2009, and they also serve other destinations like Tampa.
American Eagle Airlines:
American Eagle Airlines, a subsidiary of American Airlines, began servicing Key West in 1989, offering flights to their hub in Miami. They initially operated Saab 340 and ATR-72 propjets before transitioning to regional jet service in the 2010s.
AirTran Airways:
AirTran Airways, Key West's first low-cost carrier, commenced operations in 2009 with flights to Orlando International Airport using Boeing 737-700s. They expanded their services to include Tampa in 2011.
Southwest Airlines:
Southwest Airlines entered the market by taking over AirTran's routes to Orlando and Tampa after the merger of the two airlines in 2012. They also introduced service to New Orleans in 2013 but discontinued all operations at the airport in 2014.
Historical Carriers:
Several other airlines have served Key West International Airport over the years, including Pan American Airways, which began scheduled flights in 1928. During the 1970s and 1980s, commuter and regional airlines like Air Florida Commuter, Dolphin Airlines, Gull Air, Jetstream International Airlines, and Provincetown-Boston Airlines offered nonstop flights to Miami and other Florida destinations.
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The airport's runway
Key West International Airport (IATA: EYW, ICAO: KEYW, FAA LID: EYW) is located in the City of Key West in Monroe County, Florida, United States. The airport is situated 2 miles (3.2 km) east of Key West's main commercial centre. The history of aviation in Key West dates back to 1913 when Augustin Parla made a flight to Cuba. However, the airport itself was established later, initially operating as Key West Municipal Airport.
The runway at Key West International Airport has played a significant role in the airport's operations and history. The runway is designated as 09/27 and is constructed of asphalt. Its length is 5,076 feet (1,547 metres), with a width of 100 feet (30 metres). This relatively short runway imposes limitations on the size of aircraft that can utilise the airport, as well as weight restrictions on departing flights.
In the early years, the runway was even shorter, measuring only 4,801 feet (1,463 metres) in length. Despite this, the airport has a notable history of aircraft operations. In 1944, National Airlines commenced flights to Miami using Lockheed Lodestar twin-prop aircraft. Subsequently, they introduced jet services in 1968 with Boeing 727-100s, providing nonstop flights to various destinations.
The runway underwent a significant expansion project in 2018, funded by a $6.5 million grant from the FAA. This project extended the runway to its current length, adding 227 feet (69 metres) to facilitate takeoffs and landings. Additionally, 10-foot (3-metre) wide shoulders were paved on both sides of the runway to enhance safety and functionality.
The runway at Key West International Airport continues to play a crucial role in the airport's operations, accommodating various aircraft, including Airbus A319 and Boeing 737-700, while adhering to the weight and size restrictions mandated by its dimensions.
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The airport's terminals
Key West International Airport in Monroe County, Florida, has come a long way since its early days in aviation history. The airport's transformation was long overdue, with three new airlines, seven new non-stop routes, and an 80% increase in available seats since 2019.
The airport's new terminal, which opened in April 2025, offers a modern and comfortable experience for passengers. The 48,802-square-foot concourse is a significant upgrade from the previous terminal, which opened in 2009 and doubled the airport's size. The new concourse features eight air-conditioned glass jet bridges, providing a pleasant boarding experience regardless of the weather outside. The air-conditioned comfort extends to the new arrivals hall, where passengers can expect a relaxing welcome to the Southernmost City.
The project, funded entirely by bond proceeds, grants, and airport revenues, cost $41.34 million. Despite some delays and technological issues, the opening was met with enthusiasm and relief by airport and airline crews. The soft opening marked a significant milestone, with the grand opening for the first phase of improvements planned for May 21.
The new terminal at Key West International Airport not only enhances the comfort and convenience of passengers but also symbolizes the airport's growth and evolution. The airport has come a long way since its early days of propeller aircraft and unpaved runways, now accommodating jet flights and boasting a world-class concourse.
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The airport's location
Key West International Airport is located in the City of Key West in Monroe County, Florida, United States. It is situated about 2 miles (3.2 km) east of the main commercial centre of Key West. The airport is relatively small, with a runway length of 5,076 feet (1,547 m), which restricts the size and weight of aircraft that can serve it.
The airport has a rich aviation history, dating back to 1913 when Augustin Parla made the first flight to Cuba. In 1928, Pan American Airways began scheduled flights from Key West, and during World War II, the airport was used by the U.S. Army and Navy as an alternative to the Trumbo Point seaplane base. After the war, the city took over what became known as the Key West Municipal Airport.
Over the years, various airlines have served Key West, including National Airlines, which began flights to Miami in 1944, and Delta Connection carrier Comair, which started service to Orlando in 1988. In 1993, Cape Air began offering flights to Naples, and by 2009, the airport saw the return of mainline jet service with AirTran Airways providing flights to Orlando International Airport.
Today, Key West International Airport continues to serve the region, with daily flights to Miami and several major airlines offering regular service, including US Airways, Delta, and American Eagle Airlines. The airport has undergone recent improvements, including the addition of a new terminal in 2009, doubling its size, and the construction of a new concourse and jet bridges, providing air-conditioned comfort for passengers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the new concourse at Key West Airport is air-conditioned.
The air-conditioned concourse was opened in April 2025.
The new terminal cost $41.34 million.
The IATA code for Key West Airport is EYW.
Airlines that fly to/from Key West Airport include US Airways, Delta, American Eagle Airlines, Cape Air, and AirTran Airways.
