St. Augustine Airport: A Gateway To Florida's Historic Coast

Northeast Florida Regional Airport, located just four miles north of St. Augustine, is the closest airport to the city in terms of both proximity and travel time. The airport primarily caters to private and chartered flights, with a focus on general aviation. While it does not have any commercial service providers, it offers amenities like car rental services and aircraft maintenance. Alternatively, travellers can opt for nearby airports such as Daytona Beach International Airport, Jacksonville International Airport, Orlando International Airport, and Tampa International Airport.

Northeast Florida Regional Airport

The history of the airport dates back to the postwar period when government subsidies enabled the establishment of "feeder airlines" providing air service to smaller cities. St. Augustine Airport became a scheduled stop for two passenger airlines. However, with cutbacks in subsidies, the feeder airlines ceased operations, and by 1950, the airport fell into disuse. In the 1960s, the airport saw the construction of a terminal building, additional hangars, and fixed-base operations (FBO). Ernie Moser's Aero Sport became the airport's FBO, and the Moser family played a significant role in the airport's operations until 2006.

In the 1990s, the airport underwent significant improvements, including remodeling and expanding the terminal building. This added various amenities such as office space, a pilot briefing area, a pilot lounge, ticket counters, and a second-story restaurant called the Fly-By Cafe, which offered aviation-themed dishes and a view of the airfield.

The airport covers 668 acres and features three runways and three seaplane lanes. In 2016, a new 23,305-square-foot terminal building was constructed to accommodate increased passenger service, with car rental counters for Avis, Enterprise, and Hertz, as well as convenient parking options. The airport authority staff consists of 11 employees responsible for administration and maintenance. The air traffic control tower, operated by the FAA's Contract Tower Program, controls a Class D Airspace service area within a four nautical-mile radius and up to 2,500 feet.

Daytona Beach International Airport

The airport has a rich history in aviation, dating back to the early 1930s when Florida State Airways, Inc. was formed. The airline operated Ryan aircraft and offered flights to other Florida cities and the Bahamas. However, a tragic accident involving the Vice President of Operations, Bill Lindley, in 1930, brought most aviation activity in Daytona Beach to a halt.

In the late 1930s, a 740-acre (299 ha) plot of land was transformed into what is now the current airport, just a stone's throw away from International Speedway Boulevard. The airport initially featured two gravel runways, one 1,800 feet (550 m) long and the other 2,100 feet (640 m). Over the years, the airport has undergone significant expansions and improvements, including the addition of hangars and the extension of runways.

Today, the airport boasts three runways, a six-gate domestic terminal, and an international terminal. It continues to be a significant transportation hub, providing efficient and accessible connections for passengers travelling to and from St. Augustine and the surrounding areas.

Orlando International Airport

The airport covers 47 square kilometres and is the fifth-largest airport in the United States by land area. It features North America's fourth-tallest control tower at 345 feet. Orlando International Airport serves as a hub for several airlines, including Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. It is also a focus city for JetBlue, with Southwest being the largest carrier by passenger numbers.

The airport has a rich history, initially operating as McCoy Air Force Base before transitioning to a civilian airport in 1975. It has undergone significant expansions and improvements over the years, including the construction of the Landside Terminal and two Airsides in 1981. Orlando International Airport has also attracted major airlines, with Emirates announcing daily service from Dubai International Airport in 2015, becoming the first airport in Florida served by Emirates.

Tampa International Airport

The airport provides extensive dining and retail options, ensuring that travellers have a diverse range of choices during their stay. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and multiple lounges offer spaces to relax or work. Additionally, car rental services are readily available, with companies like Budget and Alamo offering convenient transportation options for passengers.

The airport has continued to evolve, with recent improvements led by CEO Joe Lopano, who announced retirement plans in February 2024. Tampa International Airport remains a significant hub, providing efficient connections and a range of amenities for travellers heading to St. Augustine or other destinations.

Jacksonville International Airport

The airport has direct public transit service to Jacksonville Transportation Authority's bus network. The Route 1 bus connects the airport to downtown Jacksonville, with connections to Greyhound Bus Lines and the Jacksonville Skyway monorail system. There are also shuttle services that operate between the airport and St. Augustine.

The airport features a Delta Sky Club on Concourse A and a multi-airline passenger club located behind the airside food court. There are also three galleries located off the main courtyard before the security checkpoint, showcasing art exhibits, exhibits about Jacksonville landmarks, and the history of aviation in the region.

With its convenient location, amenities, and transportation options, Jacksonville International Airport is a popular choice for travellers visiting St. Augustine and the surrounding areas.

Frequently asked questions