Vps Airport: Unveiling The City Of Destin–Fort Walton Beach

Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (IATA: VPS) is located within Eglin Air Force Base, near Valparaiso, Destin, and Fort Walton Beach in Okaloosa County, Florida. The airport is served by several airlines, including Allegiant Air, Avelo Airlines, and Delta, and offers nonstop service to various destinations across the United States. With a history dating back to the 1950s, VPS has undergone name changes and expansions to cater to the region's growing aviation needs.

Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport's location

Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (IATA: VPS, ICAO: KVPS, FAA LID: VPS) is located within Eglin Air Force Base, near Valparaiso, Destin, and Fort Walton Beach in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. The airport is approximately 16 miles from Destin, a 25-minute drive away. It is accessible only by commercial air traffic, while non-commercial operations by general aviation and business aircraft use the nearby Destin Executive Airport.

The airport, which covers 6,500 acres and shares two runways with Eglin AFB, was previously known as the Northwest Florida Regional Airport until February 17, 2015, and before that, it was named the Okaloosa Regional Airport until 2008. The airport has a 116,000 sq ft passenger terminal with five second-level gates and three ground-level commuter gates, which opened in November 2004.

Several airlines serve Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport, including Avelo Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Eastern Air Lines, GLO Airlines (now defunct), and Contour Airlines. The airport offers nonstop services to various destinations across the United States, including major cities like Atlanta, Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles.

The history of Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport dates back to 1957 when the Okaloosa County Air Terminal opened on Eglin Air Force Base with Southern Airways as the sole passenger airline. Over the years, the airport has expanded and undergone name changes, reflecting its regional significance. Today, it continues to serve as a vital gateway to the Florida Panhandle, catering to both leisure and business travellers visiting the Destin and Fort Walton Beach areas.

Airlines that fly to VPS airport

Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (IATA: VPS, ICAO: KVPS, FAA LID: VPS) is located within Eglin Air Force Base, near Valparaiso, Destin, and Fort Walton Beach in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. Several airlines operate from this airport, providing both domestic and international services.

Allegiant Air

Allegiant Air has a strong presence at VPS Airport, with a dedicated Concourse C exclusively for its use. The airline offers scheduled services to various destinations, including Cincinnati (CVG), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Oklahoma City (OKC), Knoxville (TYS), Memphis (MEM), and St. Louis/Belleville (BLV).

Avelo Airlines

Avelo Airlines is a recent addition to the airport, offering exclusive nonstop services to and from Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport. The airline provides convenient connections, enhancing travel options for passengers.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines provides nonstop service between VPS Airport and Atlanta through its regional partner, Delta Connection. Delta Connection operates turboprops such as the Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia and the de Havilland Canada DHC-7 Dash 7.

Eastern Air Lines

Eastern Air Lines, along with Delta, offers nonstop flights to Atlanta. Their regional partner, Eastern Metro Express, operates turboprops like the British Aerospace BAe Jetstream 31 and the de Havilland Canada DHC-8-100 Dash 8.

American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and GLO Airlines

These airlines have also served VPS Airport, providing additional travel options for passengers. However, it is important to note that airline services and routes may change over time, and some airlines may discontinue or adjust their services. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the latest information and schedules provided by the airlines and the Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport.

Previous names of VPS airport

Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (IATA: VPS, ICAO: KVPS, FAA LID: VPS) is located within Eglin Air Force Base, near Valparaiso, Destin, and Fort Walton Beach, in Okaloosa County, Florida, US.

The airport has undergone several name changes over the years. Here is a list of its previous names:

Northwest Florida Regional Airport

The airport was previously known as the Northwest Florida Regional Airport until February 17, 2015, when it was renamed following a 3-2 vote. This name change reflected the airport's proximity to the cities of Destin and Fort Walton Beach.

Okaloosa Regional Airport

Before becoming the Northwest Florida Regional Airport, the airport was named the Okaloosa Regional Airport until September 2008. This name highlighted the airport's connection to Okaloosa County, where it is located.

Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport

On February 17, 2015, the airport was officially renamed the Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport. This name acknowledges the airport's proximity to both Destin and Fort Walton Beach, two popular tourist destinations in Florida.

The airport's code, VPS, is derived from the city of Valparaiso, as passengers historically entered the airport through the East Gate near this city.

The distance from the airport to nearby cities

Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (IATA: VPS) is located within Eglin Air Force Base, near Valparaiso, Destin, and Fort Walton Beach in Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. The airport is just under 16 miles from Destin, which takes approximately 25 minutes to reach. It is also located in close proximity to other cities in the Florida Panhandle, such as Panama City, Pensacola, and Tallahassee.

The airport has direct flights to various destinations across the United States, including major cities like Atlanta, Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C. Many of these flights are operated by major airlines such as Delta Air Lines, Eastern Air Lines, and Allegiant Air, which has an exclusive concourse at the airport.

In addition to its commercial operations, the airport also shares runways with military aviation at Eglin Air Force Base. The base is home to various military units and plays a crucial role in the region's defence capabilities. The airport's proximity to the base ensures a seamless connection between civilian and military aviation in the area.

While the airport primarily serves the nearby cities in Okaloosa County, it also attracts passengers from neighbouring counties and states due to its convenient location and flight options. With its modern terminal, diverse airline offerings, and easy access to multiple destinations, Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport is a vital transportation hub for the Florida Panhandle and the surrounding region.

The airport's runways and terminals

Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (IATA: VPS) is located within Eglin Air Force Base, near Valparaiso, Destin, and Fort Walton Beach, in Okaloosa County, Florida, US. The airport was previously called Northwest Florida Regional Airport and Okaloosa Regional Airport.

Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport and Eglin Air Force Base share two runways: 12/30, which is 12,004 ft by 300 ft (3,659 m by 91 m) of asphalt/concrete, and 02/20, which is 10,012 ft by 300 ft (3,052 m by 91 m) of asphalt. The airport has a 116,000 sq ft (10,800 m2) passenger terminal with five second-level gates and three ground-level commuter gates. The two-level terminal opened in November 2004, and the old terminal building was demolished shortly after. The airport loop road is a two-lane asphalt roadway about 3/4 of a mile long.

The airport has two security checkpoints on the first floor of the terminal building. The main checkpoint is located near the ticket counters, and the second is near the baggage claim area. Both are equipped with advanced screening technology. The airport has two baggage claim areas on the lower level. Claim Area A serves Delta, American, and United Airlines, while Claim Area B serves Allegiant and Southwest Airlines. Concourse C, which opened in September 2022, is used exclusively by Allegiant Air and is located on the west side of the main terminal.

The airport offers a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi, charging stations, restrooms, a family restroom, and a play area for children. There are also various food and beverage options, including the Emerald Coast Bar & Grill, snack kiosks, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and Dewey Destin's.

Frequently asked questions