Ruth Haines
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (IATA: PIE, ICAO: KPIE, FAA LID: PIE) is a medium-sized, multi-use airport in Pinellas County, Florida, serving the Tampa Bay Area. It is located on the west shoreline of Tampa Bay, six miles (10 km) north of St. Petersburg, 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Clearwater, and 17 miles (27 km) southwest of Tampa. The airport is also known as St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport and St. Pete-Clearwater Airport.
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What You'll Learn
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport's history
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (IATA: PIE, ICAO: KPIE, FAA LID: PIE) is a public/military airport in Pinellas County, Florida, serving the Tampa Bay Area. The airport is located on the west shoreline of Tampa Bay, six miles (10 km) north of St. Petersburg, Florida, which is known as the "birthplace of commercial air transportation".
The history of St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport dates back to the early days of aviation. In 1914, just over a decade after the Wright brothers' historic flight at Kitty Hawk, the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line sold the first tickets for airline travel to fare-paying passengers. The inaugural flight took place from downtown St. Petersburg Pier, with Mayor Abram C. Pheil of St. Petersburg and Mae Peabody of Dubuque, Iowa, as the first passengers. This marked the beginning of commercial air transportation, which is commemorated with a replica of the Benoist aircraft and a plaque at the airport terminal.
Construction of the airport at its present site began in March 1941. During World War II, the airport was acquired by the United States Army Air Forces and served as a military flight training base, known as Pinellas Army Airfield. The 304th Fighter Squadron, a combat training unit of the 337rd Fighter Group, was based at Pinellas Army Airfield and flew P-40 Warhawks and later P-51 Mustangs. The airfield also conducted antisubmarine patrols against German U-boats in the Gulf of Mexico. After World War II, the airport property was returned to Pinellas County by the U.S. government to operate as a civil airport.
The original name of the airport was Pinellas International Airport, and it was designated the identifier "PIE" by the IATA. In 1958, the airport's name was changed to St. Petersburg–Clearwater International Airport to increase its recognition as a tourism destination. The original terminal building was dedicated in 1957. 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 2013, the airport rebranded and shortened its name to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and adopted a new logo. Today, the airport continues to serve the Tampa Bay Area, offering non-stop air service to 65 destinations and supporting general, corporate, and military aviation with its two major runways. It is a vital part of the Pinellas tourism industry, contributing over $1 billion in economic impact.
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The airport's location and nearby attractions
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (IATA: PIE, ICAO: KPIE, FAA LID: PIE) is a medium-sized, multi-use airport in Clearwater, Florida, just north of St. Petersburg. The airport is situated 9 miles (14 km) north of downtown St. Petersburg, 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Clearwater, and 17 miles (27 km) southwest of Tampa. It is located on the west shoreline of Tampa Bay and is just a quick drive away from Pinellas County's award-winning beaches.
The airport began as a World War II military training base known as the Pinellas Army Airfield and was later acquired by the United States Army Air Forces, which used it as a base for the 304th Fighter Squadron, a combat training unit of the 337th Fighter Group. After World War II, the airport became a commercial airport, serving the Tampa Bay Area. Today, it continues to support general, corporate, and military aviation, with two major runways and a variety of aviation operations.
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport is conveniently located near several attractions. It is just a short drive from the award-winning beaches of Pinellas County, as well as the cities of St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Tampa. St. Petersburg, also known as the birthplace of commercial air transportation, is home to the St. Petersburg Museum of History, which showcases the history of aviation in the area. The museum displays a replica of the Benoist XIV amphibious aircraft, which was used for the first commercial airline flight in 1914.
In addition to its proximity to beaches and historical sites, the airport is also conveniently located for those interested in exploring the surrounding areas. Clearwater, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant marine life, is just a short drive from the airport. Tampa, a bustling city with a rich cultural scene and attractions like the Florida Aquarium and Busch Gardens, is also easily accessible from the airport. For those interested in exploring further, popular destinations such as Orlando and Miami are within driving distance, offering even more options for entertainment, theme parks, and sightseeing.
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Airlines and destinations served by PIE
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (IATA: PIE, ICAO: KPIE, FAA LID: PIE) is a public/military airport in Pinellas County, Florida, serving the Tampa Bay Area. The airport is located on the west shoreline of Tampa Bay and is about 10 km north of St. Petersburg, 11 km southeast of Clearwater, and 27 km southwest of Tampa.
PIE is a commercial service airport with non-stop air service to 65 destinations. It is a focus city for Las Vegas–based Allegiant Air, which is the primary airline operating out of the airport. Allegiant Air offers nonstop flights to 60 cities, including Las Vegas, Nashville, and Pittsburgh, and provides various services to enhance passenger comfort, such as priority boarding and the option to pre-select seats.
Sun Country Airlines is another popular airline serving PIE, offering flights to destinations like Minneapolis and Dallas-Fort Worth. Sun Country is known for balancing affordability with comfort, providing a user-friendly booking experience, and offering in-flight amenities such as complimentary beverages and premium seating options.
Historically, the airport has been served by various airlines, including Air Florida, Red Carpet Airlines, Sun Air, Northeastern International Airways, People Express, and Atlantic Gulf Airlines. These airlines offered flights to destinations such as Miami, Orlando, Tallahassee, New York, Fort Lauderdale, and Atlanta.
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Military use of the airport
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (IATA: PIE, ICAO: KPIE, FAA LID: PIE) is a public/military airport in Pinellas County, Florida, United States. It is located on the west shoreline of Tampa Bay, six miles (10 km) north of St. Petersburg, 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Clearwater, and 17 miles (27 km) southwest of Tampa.
The airport began as a World War II military training base known as Pinellas Army Airfield. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the airport was acquired by the United States Army Air Forces, which used it as a military flight training base assigned to the Third Air Force. The 304th Fighter Squadron, a combat training unit of the 337th Fighter Group, was based at Pinellas Army Airfield during World War II, operating P-40 Warhawks and later P-51 Mustangs. The airfield was also used to launch antisubmarine patrols against German U-boats in the Gulf of Mexico.
Following the war, the airport was converted to civilian use, becoming Pinellas International Airport, and later St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport. However, it has continued to support military aviation alongside its commercial operations. Today, the airport accommodates aircraft of virtually any size, from jumbo jets to charter planes to private aircraft, with an FAA-operated Air Traffic Control on site.
The airport is also home to Elite Air Inc., an aircraft charter and management company founded in 2001. Elite Air provides a range of services, including management, crew, maintenance, fuel, and insurance, to customers on multiple continents. In addition, the airport hosts T Black Aviation, which offers aviation ground school, flight training, and certifications.
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Health and safety measures at PIE
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is a public/military airport in Pinellas County, Florida, serving the Tampa Bay Area. The health and safety of passengers and employees at PIE are of utmost importance. Here are some of the health and safety measures in place:
- Following CDC Guidance: The airport follows guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure alignment with national health and safety standards.
- Mandatory Masking: To protect against the spread of COVID-19, masks are required in all indoor areas of the airport. Complimentary masks are provided at various locations, including all entrances, TSA Checkpoint entries, and the Visitor Information Booth, ensuring easy access for passengers and staff.
- Enhanced Cleaning and Sanitation: PIE has implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection protocols throughout the airport. High-touch surfaces, such as handrails, countertops, and door handles, are frequently sanitised to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
- Social Distancing Measures: During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, PIE implemented social distancing measures, including physical distancing markers and signage to guide passengers and reduce close contact.
- COVID-19 Testing: In collaboration with TACKL HEALTH, PIE offers convenient COVID-19 testing services for travellers. This helps identify potentially infected individuals and prevent the spread of the virus.
- Security Measures: As a former military airport, PIE has a strong security presence. The airport works closely with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. TSA Security Checkpoints are accessible and open two hours before scheduled flight departures.
- Emergency Preparedness: With its roots as a military flight training base, PIE has a history of preparedness. The airport maintains emergency response plans and conducts regular drills to ensure the safety of all individuals on-site.
- Collaboration with Airlines: PIE works closely with airlines, such as Allegiant Air, to ensure compliance with health and safety protocols. Allegiant Ticket Counters are open during flight operations, and passengers are encouraged to arrive early, approximately two hours before their scheduled departure.
The health and safety protocols at PIE are regularly reviewed and updated to align with evolving guidelines and recommendations. These measures reflect the airport's commitment to protecting the well-being of travellers and staff, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
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Frequently asked questions
PIE is the airport code for St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport, a medium-sized, multi-use airport in Clearwater, Florida, just north of St. Petersburg.
The airport began as a World War II military training base, known as Pinellas Army Airfield. In 1941, it was acquired by the United States Army Air Forces and used for combat training and antisubmarine patrols. After the war, it became Pinellas International Airport, and the identifier "PIE" originated.
St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport offers non-stop air service to over 60 destinations, including Atlanta, Miami, New York, and Orlando. The airport serves a mix of civil and military aviation, flight training operations, air carriers, and a law enforcement aviation unit.
