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Yes, there is an airport in Ocala, Florida. Ocala International Airport (OCF) is owned and operated by the City of Ocala and has been serving the city since 1968. The airport offers flights to various destinations and is easily accessible by different modes of transportation. Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) is also a nearby major airport, located about 35-44 miles from Ocala.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the airport | Ocala International Airport |
| Airport code | OCF |
| Location | Ocala, Florida |
| Nearby airports | Gainesville Regional Airport, Orlando International Airport, Tampa International Airport, Orlando Sanford International Airport, Jacksonville International Airport, Daytona Beach International Airport |
| Distance to nearby airports | Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV): 37 miles or 44 miles; Orlando International Airport (MCO): 73 miles or 90 miles; Tampa International Airport (TPA): 87.5 miles or 104 miles; Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB): 61.6 miles or 106 miles; Jacksonville International Airport (JAX): 94.7 miles or 110 miles; Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB): 75 miles |
| Transportation options | Car, taxi, cab |
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What You'll Learn
Ocala International Airport (OCF)
Ocala International Airport (IATA: OCF, ICAO: KOCF, FAA LID: OCF), also known as Ocala International Airport-Jim Taylor Field, is located five miles west of Ocala, in Marion County, Florida, United States. The airport covers 1,532 acres of land at an elevation of 90 feet. It was previously known as Ocala Regional Airport or Jim Taylor Field and opened in the early 1960s, replacing the previous Taylor Field just southwest of Ocala. The airport's 5000-ft runway was initially served by Eastern Airlines, with a daily Convair 440 flight connecting Jacksonville (JAX), Gainesville (GNV), Ocala (OCF), Vero Beach (VRB), and Miami (MIA).
Despite bearing the name "international airport", Ocala International Airport does not accommodate commercial airline flights. The last airline flight departed from Ocala in 1987 when USAir Express withdrew its services. Subsequently, the airport underwent expansions, including the addition of a crosswind runway, an extension of the main runway, an instrument landing approach, and the attainment of FAA Part 139 certification.
Ocala International Airport features two asphalt runways: runway 18/36, measuring 7,467 by 150 feet, and runway 8/26, spanning 3,009 by 50 feet. The airport witnessed 58,465 aircraft operations in the year ending October 31, 2022, averaging 160 operations per day, predominantly comprising general aviation and a smaller proportion of air taxi services.
The airport has a functional air traffic control tower, which attained FAA Level I contract control tower certification in the summer of 2010. Additionally, a new terminal building was completed in the spring of 2020, enhancing the airport's facilities.
When travelling to or from Ocala International Airport, passengers can opt for various transportation options, including private vehicles, taxis, or ridesharing with friends or colleagues. The airport provides long-term parking for those who choose to drive their own vehicles.
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Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV)
The history of the airport dates back to the mid-20th century. The airfield was declared surplus in 1945 and transferred to the Army Corps of Engineers in 1946. Subsequently, in 1948, the War Assets Administration deeded the facility to the city of Gainesville for civil aviation purposes. Initially known as John R. Alison Airport or Gainesville Municipal Airport, it was renamed Gainesville Regional Airport in October 1977. Eastern Airlines was the first airline to serve Gainesville, offering flights to Tallahassee, Jacksonville, and Ocala. Over time, they expanded to include nonstop flights to Atlanta and Miami.
Gainesville Regional Airport has undergone several renovations and expansions to enhance its facilities. In 2021, a significant expansion added a mother lactation room, a pet relief area, two new gates, charging ports for passengers, and improved dining and shopping options. The existing terminal was also renovated as part of this project, funded by a grant from the FAA. The airport is currently constructing a new parking garage, expected to be completed by late 2025, to address parking concerns and improve ride-sharing and bus services.
The airport has a range of airlines serving various destinations. American Eagle operates from gates 3, 4, and 5, while Delta Air Lines and Delta Connection utilise gates 1 and 2. It is recommended that passengers check in with their respective airlines and arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure time for domestic flights and three hours for international travel.
In addition to its functional role, Gainesville Regional Airport also hosts the annual Gator Fly-In event at its general aviation facilities. This event features military aircraft displays, classic car shows, food trucks, live music, and aircraft rides, providing entertainment and engagement for the local community.
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Other nearby airports
Ocala International Airport (OCF) is located in Ocala, Florida. The airport has been operational since 1968, and is owned and operated by the City of Ocala.
There are several other airports near Ocala, Florida. The closest is Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV/KGNV), which is approximately 37 miles north of Ocala. Other nearby airports include:
- Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB/KSFB) - 61.6 miles from Ocala.
- Orlando International Airport (MCO/KMCO) - 73 miles from Ocala.
- Tampa International Airport (TPA/KTPA) - 87.5 miles from Ocala.
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX/KJAX) - 94.7 miles from Ocala.
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Airport history
Ocala International Airport (IATA: OCF) is located in Ocala, Florida. The airport is owned and operated by the City of Ocala, which also appoints a five-member Airport Advisory Board to provide local community input.
The history of the airport dates back to 1947 when Eastern Airlines began servicing Ocala using Douglas DC-3 aircraft. This service continued until 1967. In 1962, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) determined that a new airport was needed in Ocala due to the city's growth and the need to accommodate larger aircraft. The city financed the construction of the new airport by issuing bonds, and it became operational in 1968, with Eastern Airlines resuming service at the new facility.
In 1971, Eastern Airlines moved its service to Gainesville Regional Airport, located about 37 miles north of Ocala. Since then, five different commuter carriers have served Ocala, with Allegheny Commuter being the last before commuter service was discontinued in the early 1980s. Currently, air taxi and charter flights are the only remaining air services available at Ocala.
Over the years, the airport has undergone expansions and upgrades to accommodate the growth of civil aviation. In 1973, a 3,010-foot crosswind runway was added, and in 1988, the main runway was extended by 1,900 feet to accommodate larger aircraft. In 1994, the airport acquired an additional 400 acres of land for future aviation development, bringing the total acreage to 1,532 acres. The airport has also installed an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and made improvements to meet federal regulations, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
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Travel tips
Ocala, Florida, is served by Ocala International Airport (OCF). The airport is owned and operated by the City of Ocala and has a five-member Airport Advisory Board appointed by the City Council.
- If you are driving to Ocala International Airport, the facility offers long-term parking that is safe and secure for your vehicle.
- If you don't want to deal with parking, you can ask a friend or family member to drive you to the airport and use the short-term parking facilities.
- If you are travelling for business, you could meet a colleague at the office and share a cab ride over to the airport.
- Before you leave home, make sure you have all the necessary documentation, including flight and hotel itineraries.
- Check your flight status before you leave to ensure there have been no changes to the time of your flight.
- Familiarise yourself with your airline's check-in requirements and baggage policies.
- Arrive at the airport early to ensure you have enough time to park, drop off your bags, and grab something to eat. For domestic flights, it's recommended that you arrive two hours early; for international flights, it's recommended that you arrive three hours early.
- If you are renting a car, it might be cheaper to fly into a different airport and drive a bit further to get to Ocala.
- The closest major airport to Ocala is Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV/KGNV), which is approximately 37 miles north of the city. Other nearby airports include Orlando Sanford (SFB), Orlando (MCO), Tampa (TPA), and Jacksonville (JAX).
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Ocala has an international airport, also known as Ocala International Airport or Ocala Intl. Airport (OCF).
Ocala International Airport is approximately 37 miles north of the city.
You can get to the airport by cab, bus or car. If you don't want to deal with parking, you can be dropped off by a friend or family member.
In the past, Eastern Airlines and Allegheny Commuter have serviced Ocala. Currently, air taxi and charter flights are the only remaining air services available.
