Jacksonville, Florida: Airports And Convenient Travel Options

Believe it or not, there are 28 airports in and around Jacksonville, Florida. The most well-known is Jacksonville International Airport (JIA/JAX), which is 14 miles from the city. However, there are 27 other airports that offer flight options in the area. These include a mix of commercial and private airports.

Jacksonville International Airport (JIA/JAX)

Jacksonville International Airport (IATA: JAX, ICAO: KJAX), situated about 14 miles from downtown Jacksonville, Florida, is the city's primary airport. Covering 7,911 acres, the airport features two concrete runways in a ""V" pattern, with the tip pointing west. The terminal building has a baggage claim area on the first floor and ticketing on the second floor, followed by a mezzanine with shops, restaurants, and a security checkpoint. Beyond the security checkpoint, passengers can access Concourses A and C, each with 10 gates, additional shops, and restaurants. Concourse A also features a Delta Sky Club.

The airport has direct public transit connections to the Jacksonville Transportation Authority's bus network, with Route 1 providing easy access to and from the city centre. In the 2023 fiscal year, Jacksonville International Airport handled a record-breaking 7,306,171 passengers, reflecting a significant increase from previous years. This growth in passenger traffic has led to plans for expansion, including the construction of a new Concourse B, which will add six new gates and the potential for up to 10 additional gates in the future.

Jacksonville International Airport also has a military presence, hosting the Jacksonville Air National Guard Base (JANGB) in its southwest quadrant. The 125th Fighter Wing (125 FW), a unit of the Florida Air National Guard, operates F-15C and F-15D Eagle aircraft from this base.

The airport has witnessed notable incidents, including a 1971 plane hijacking by George M. Giffe Jr., which tragically resulted in the deaths of his wife, the pilot, and himself. Additionally, in 1984, a Provincetown-Boston Airlines flight crashed during takeoff, claiming the lives of 11 passengers and 2 crew members.

St Augustine Airport (UST)

In the postwar period, St. Augustine Airport became a scheduled stop for two passenger airlines. But by 1950, with cutbacks in subsidies, the airport fell into disuse and was considered a "white elephant". However, in 1954, the Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation announced plans to build an aircraft modification plant at the airport, bringing military aircraft to the facility. The airport expanded to meet these new requirements, and in 1966, a terminal building and more hangars were constructed.

The airport's fixed-base operations (FBO) were established by Ernie Moser, who gained fame for landing a Piper Cub on an extremely short runway. His son, Jim Moser, was also a skilled pilot, known for flying a Bücker Bü 133 Jungmeister. In 2006, the Moser family sold the business to Galaxy Aviation, ending their era at the airport.

Today, St. Augustine Airport continues to serve the region, providing access to Northeast Florida and the surrounding areas.

Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB)

The airport is a convenient option for those in the Jacksonville area seeking efficient travel, with its proximity to the city and range of flight offerings. DAB's single terminal design makes it a passenger-friendly airport, ensuring efficient navigation and a streamlined travel experience. The terminal building houses essential amenities, including ticketing counters, departure gates, baggage claim areas, and a variety of dining and retail options.

The airport's website, www.flydaytonafirst.com, provides travellers with valuable information regarding flight schedules, real-time flight status updates, and airport services. Additionally, the website offers details on parking options, ground transportation, and accessibility features, ensuring that passengers with special needs can navigate the airport with ease.

Daytona Beach International Airport also places a strong emphasis on safety and security. It adheres to all federal regulations and implements advanced security measures to ensure the well-being of its passengers and staff. The airport's security team works diligently to maintain a safe environment, utilising state-of-the-art technology and training to identify and mitigate potential risks.

Overall, Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) stands as a convenient and efficient travel option for residents of Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. With its modern infrastructure, diverse flight offerings, and commitment to safety, DAB provides a seamless travel experience for passengers, solidifying its position as a key transportation hub in the region.

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

The airport was originally commissioned as Naval Air Station Sanford, a Master Jet Base for carrier-based attack and reconnaissance aircraft, on November 3, 1942. It was used by the U.S. Navy until its closure in 1969. Following this, the City of Sanford took control of the facility, renaming it Sanford Airport and establishing the Sanford Airport Authority. During the 1970s, the airport was a general aviation facility, hosting civilian and military air shows.

Over time, the airport underwent several name changes, including Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, and Orlando Sanford Regional Airport, before becoming the Orlando Sanford International Airport we know today. The oldest Navy buildings were demolished, and newer ones were renovated for civil use. New buildings and hangars were also constructed.

Orlando Sanford International Airport has been featured in popular culture, with parts of the 1992 film 'Passenger 57', starring Wesley Snipes, being filmed at the airport. Additionally, in 2007, the airport safely accommodated an emergency landing of Allegiant Air Flight 758, which experienced a hydraulic failure that prevented the nose landing gear from deploying.

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

The airport code MCO stands for the airport's former name, McCoy Air Force Base, a Strategic Air Command (SAC) installation that was closed in 1975 following the end of the Vietnam War. The airport gained its current name and international airport status a year later in 1976 but retained its old IATA airport code MCO and ICAO airport code KMCO.

Orlando International Airport is a major international gateway for the Florida region, with over 850 daily flights on 44 airlines servicing 135 domestic and international destinations. The airport serves as an operating base for Breeze Airways, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines, as well as a focus city for JetBlue. Southwest is the airport's largest carrier by passengers carried. The airport also houses a maintenance base for United Airlines and was a hub for Delta Air Lines until 2007.

Orlando International Airport has North America's fourth-tallest control tower, standing at 345 feet. The airport was designated as a Space Shuttle emergency landing site. The west-side runways, Runway 18L/36R and Runway 18R/36L, were designed for B-52 Stratofortress bombers and are in close proximity to NASA's John F. Kennedy Space Center.

Frequently asked questions