Lois Larson
Destin, Florida, is a popular vacation destination for tourists, known for its pristine beaches and emerald waters. When planning a trip to Destin, it is important to consider the different airport options available to you. The closest airport to Destin is the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), located in Valparaiso, Florida, and is approximately 16 miles away from the city. Destin also offers a private airstrip in the heart of the city, known as the Destin Executive Airport, for those travelling on private flights. Other nearby airports include the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, Pensacola International Airport, and Tallahassee International Airport, which are all within a reasonable driving distance from Destin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Closest Airport | Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) |
| Distance from Destin | 16 miles |
| Location | Valparaiso, Florida |
| Airlines | Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, Silver Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines |
| Other Airports | Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, Pensacola International Airport, Tallahassee International Airport, Destin Executive Airport |
| Distance from Other Airports | 52 miles, 56 miles, 165 miles, N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (IATA: VPS, ICAO: KVPS, FAA LID: VPS) is the closest airport to Destin, Florida, located in Valparaiso, Florida, about 16 miles away from Destin. The airport is an exceptional resource for travellers who enjoy modern amenities without congestion. It is centrally located with convenient and hassle-free access to popular accommodations and activities in the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area. The airport opens daily at 4:00 AM, providing scheduled commercial passenger air service for the entire Northwest Florida region from Panama City to Pensacola.
Airlines flying into VPS include Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. Allegiant Air has been serving the airport since 2016, with flights from Cincinnati, Ft Lauderdale, Oklahoma City, Knoxville, Memphis, and St Louis/Belleville. In 2017, the airline expanded its operations at VPS, announcing 18 new domestic destinations. Concourse C, which opened in September 2022, is exclusively used by Allegiant Air, flying to 35 destinations. In February 2024, Avelo Airlines announced service to Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) in Connecticut, starting in May 2017.
Delta Air Lines has also been serving VPS since the 1980s, offering nonstop service between the airport and Atlanta through its regional partner, Delta Connection. In 2011, Vision Airlines briefly operated a small scheduled passenger hub at VPS with flights to various destinations across the United States. However, they eventually shut down their VPS hub. United Airlines also served VPS until 2022 when they ceased all flights, citing long-term unsustainability.
The airport offers a range of amenities, including dining options, shopping, and a "Pet Relief Area" for service animals. Additionally, it has a large passenger terminal with five second-level gates and three ground-level gates, all with passenger jetways. For visitors travelling to Destin, there is a Visitor's Welcome Center located right outside the baggage claim, providing brochures, maps, attraction tickets, and dining coupons. The airport also offers various transportation options and car rental services, including Alamo, National, Hertz, Avis, Dollar Rental Car, Budget, and Destin Jeep Rentals.
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Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport
Destin, Florida, is a popular vacation destination, known for its white sand beaches and emerald waters along the Gulf of Mexico. While the closest airport to Destin is the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), located about 16 miles away in Valparaiso, Florida, there are several other airports in the region that serve the area. One such option is the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport.
The airport covers an expansive area of 4,000 acres, with a runway over 10,000 feet long and 150 feet wide. It is the region's newest airport, having opened for commercial flights in 2010, and it is the first international airport in the United States designed and constructed after the September 11 attacks. While the airport currently does not have any scheduled international flights due to regional and national travel patterns, it offers a range of domestic and seasonal flight options.
A variety of airlines operate from Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, including Delta, Southwest, United, Silver, and American Airlines. Passengers can take advantage of daily nonstop flights to major cities like Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Nashville, Orlando, and Tampa. Additionally, seasonal services are provided to destinations like St. Louis. The airport has experienced significant growth in passenger traffic, with its busiest years on record in 2021 and 2022, likely influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in travel demand.
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Pensacola International Airport
The airport covers a substantial area of 1,211 acres at an elevation of 121 feet above sea level. It boasts two runways: 17/35, which is 7,004 feet long with a concrete surface, and 08/26, which is 7,000 feet long with an asphalt surface. Runway 17 is equipped with an instrument landing system and approach lights, while Runway 26 has a localizer approach. The airport has seen expansions and improvements over the years, including the addition of a new 5-gate passenger concourse and the extension of the commercial airline apron.
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Tallahassee International Airport
The airport was opened in 1961 as Tallahassee Municipal Airport, replacing the city's first airport, Dale Mabry Field. In 2015, it was renamed from Tallahassee Regional Airport to its current name. The airport covers 2,485 acres of land at an elevation of 81 feet. It is known for its friendly service and ultra-modern facilities, including convenient and affordable parking.
For those travelling to Destin, Florida, there are several airport options to choose from, depending on your preferences and specific needs. Tallahassee International Airport is a major airport in the region, providing access to the state capital of Florida and its surrounding areas. With its modern facilities and convenient location, it serves as a popular gateway to the region.
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Destin Executive Airport
Destin, Florida, is a popular vacation destination, offering pristine beaches and emerald waters. While the closest airport to Destin is the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS), located 16 miles away in Valparaiso, Florida – there are other options for travellers. One such option is the Destin Executive Airport.
The airport primarily serves private flights and, in April 2022, was home to 61 aircraft. These included 31 single-engine planes, 14 multi-engine planes, 11 jets, and 5 helicopters. In the 12 months ending December 31, 2018, the airport recorded 63,987 aircraft operations, averaging 175 per day. The majority of these flights were general aviation (99%), with a small percentage being air taxis (1%) and military flights (<1%).
The first landing at the Destin Executive Airport occurred on October 13, 1961, when Lucius Burch of Memphis, Tennessee, arrived with two passengers for a fishing trip. Prior to this, private pilots had to land in Crestview, Florida, which was less than ideal. The Destin Executive Airport soon became a popular option, with the first air charter service in the area being announced in December 1961.
While the Destin Executive Airport is a great choice for private flights, travellers should be aware of other airport options in the area, including the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport and Pensacola International Airport, which offer a range of international flights.
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Frequently asked questions
The Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is the closest airport to Destin, Florida. It is located in Valparaiso, Florida, and is approximately 16 miles away from Destin.
Other nearby airports include Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, Pensacola International Airport, and Tallahassee International Airport.
Airlines flying into the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport include Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta, Silver Airways, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
