Clearwater's Airport: Does It Exist?

is there an airport in clearwater

Yes, there is an airport in Clearwater, Florida. St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport is a public/military airport in Pinellas County, Florida, serving the Tampa Bay Area. It is located 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Clearwater and is ranked as a small-hub primary commercial service facility by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The airport offers non-stop flights to over 60 cities across the United States and Canada, with various amenities and efficient facilities for passengers.

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St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport

The airport was originally called Pinellas International Airport and was given the IATA designation PIE. In 1958, the name was changed to St. Petersburg–Clearwater International Airport because, according to airport manager "Bobo" Hayes, tourists did not know where Pinellas County was. During the 1950s and 1960s, several major U.S. airlines served the airport, including Delta Air Lines, Eastern Air Lines, National Airlines, and Northwest Airlines.

In 2014, the airport handled more than one million passengers, setting a record. In 2023, it set a new annual passenger record of 2.49 million. The airport has been continually improving its services, and in 2023, it was ranked as a small-hub primary commercial service facility by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems.

The Gateway Express road project has made it easier and quicker to get to the airport by adding express toll lanes and a direct exit to PIE. The Grouper Airport Express provides on-demand shuttle service between the airport and any location on Clearwater Beach. These shuttles can accommodate wheelchairs and have room for nine people and their luggage. Foreign language and American Sign Language translation services are available in the Airport Reception Office, and ATMs are located in the concourse outside Ticketing A and at the west end of Baggage Claim.

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Tampa International Airport

The Clearwater area is served by two airports: St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and Tampa International Airport (TPA).

The airport offers a range of amenities and services to accommodate the needs of its passengers. It provides foreign language assistance, with translation services available in the Airport Reception Office and at the Visitor Information Booth near Baggage Claim. Additionally, ATMs and currency exchange services are conveniently located within the airport. Tampa International Airport also boasts an impressive dining scene, with various options available to suit different tastes and preferences.

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Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (IATA: SRQ, ICAO: KSRQ, FAA LID: SRQ) is a public airport located in Sarasota County, Sarasota, and Manatee County, Florida. It is owned by the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority and is about 3 miles north of Downtown Sarasota and 6 miles south of Bradenton. The airport is designed for traveller convenience, with a spacious terminal, short check-in lines, and a stress-free experience. It offers short and long-term parking, car rentals, dining, shopping, complimentary WiFi, and more.

The Sarasota-Bradenton Airport was constructed in 1939 and opened in 1940 with assistance from the CCC and WPA at a cost of $1 million. It was initially known as Sarasota-Bradenton Airport until 1956 when the word "international" was added to its name. In its opening year of 1959, the airport served approximately 22,000 annual passengers. The airport's IATA airport code, "SRQ", has become a general nickname for the Sarasota area and is used by various local businesses.

The airport initially received the designation "SSO" before changing to SRQ to avoid confusion with the international distress signal, SOS. The airport is located within two neighbouring counties, Sarasota and Manatee, which gives law enforcement officers jurisdiction to conduct investigations and make arrests within both counties.

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Orlando International Airport

While there is no airport in Clearwater, Florida, itself, the closest airport to the city is St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE). Another airport close to Clearwater is Tampa International Airport (TPA). However, if you're looking for an airport with a wider range of international destinations, Orlando International Airport (MCO) is a major international airport located 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, Florida. Orlando International Airport is the primary international airport in the region, serving as an operating base for several major airlines and offering over 1,000 daily flights to more than 170 domestic and international destinations. With over 44.6 million passengers in 2017, it was the busiest airport in Florida, surpassing Miami International Airport. The airport covers 47 square kilometers, making it the fifth-largest airport in the United States by land area. Orlando International Airport has a rich history, gaining its current name and international status in 1976. The airport's code, MCO, originates from its former name, McCoy Air Force Base, which was closed in 1975. The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) was established to manage and oversee expansions to the airport, including the construction of the Landside Terminal and two Airsides on the west side, which opened in 1981. Orlando International Airport has continued to grow and improve, attracting new airlines and services, such as Emirates, which began daily service to the airport from Dubai International Airport in 2015.

Red Deer's Airport: Does It Exist?

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Clearwater airport hotels

The St. Pete-Clearwater area in Florida is served by St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and Tampa International Airport (TPA). There are several hotels near the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, including:

  • SureStay Hotel by Best Western St. Pete Clearwater Airport: Located 1.1 miles from the airport, this hotel features a continental breakfast and a heated outdoor pool with a hot tub.
  • Comfort Inn & Suites St. Pete - Clearwater International Airport: This hotel is located less than 2 miles from the airport and offers free Wi-Fi and free parking. It is also close to Clearwater Beach and the University of South Florida, which are just a 20-minute drive away.
  • Holiday Inn St. Petersburg N - Clearwater: This 3-star hotel, located 11 miles from the airport, offers an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, a restaurant, and a bar.
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Clearwater St Petersburg Ulmerton Road: This 3-star hotel is located 1 mile from the airport and features an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre.
  • Residence Inn by Marriott St. Petersburg Clearwater: This hotel offers extended-stay options and is located near Clearwater, Bright House Networks Field, and the Phillies' spring training home.
  • TownePlace Suites St. Petersburg Clearwater: This hotel is located near Clearwater's award-winning beaches and the Salvador Dali Museum.
  • Days Inn Clearwater St. Petersburg Airport: This hotel is within a 5-mile radius of several major business parks and is close to three regional shopping malls.
  • La Quinta Inn Tampa Bay Clearwater Airport: This hotel is 1.5 miles from St. Petersburg Clearwater Airport and 12 miles from Tampa International Airport.
  • Candlewood Suites Clearwater: This hotel is located near Tampa International Airport and St. Petersburg Clearwater Airport, with easy access to corporate parks and Gulf Coast beaches.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, there is an international airport in Clearwater, Florida.

The name of the airport is St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport.

The airport code for St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport is PIE.

The airport is located about 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Clearwater.

St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport offers foreign language assistance, ATMs, and accommodations nearby. The airport also features public art, including the "Be Bright" mural by Ashley Cantero.

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