The Story Behind Fll Airport's Unique Name

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a bustling hub for both domestic and international flights, serving as a gateway to South Florida. With a rich history dating back to 1929, FLL has transformed into a modern and efficient airport, offering travellers a seamless experience with its range of amenities and strategic location. Its airport code, FLL, has become synonymous with convenience and accessibility, making it a popular choice for those travelling to the vibrant city of Fort Lauderdale and its surrounding areas.

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport

The history of the airport dates back to the late 1920s when World War I aviator Merle Fogg purchased an abandoned nine-hole golf course destroyed by the 1926 Miami hurricane. On May 1, 1929, the airport opened as Merle Fogg Field with two unpaved runways. During World War II, it was commissioned by the US Navy, renamed Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale, and became a training base for Naval Aviators.

In 1946, the airport transitioned to county control and became Broward County International Airport. Commercial flights to Nassau began in 1953, and domestic flights to New York and Washington started in 1958-1959. The airport opened its first permanent terminal building in 1959 and was renamed Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport.

Today, the airport offers over 700 daily flights to 135 domestic and international destinations, serving as a gateway to South Florida. It is a base for airlines such as Allegiant Air, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines. The airport has four terminals with 66 gates and is currently undergoing expansion, with Terminal 5 expected to be completed by mid-2026.

The airport's location

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is located in Broward County, Florida, roughly 3 miles (4.8 km) southwest of downtown Fort Lauderdale and 21 miles (34 km) north of Miami. The airport is located off Interstate 595, Interstate 95, U.S. Route 1, Florida State Road A1A, and Florida State Road 5. It is bounded by the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Dania Beach.

The airport is situated near several major roads, including U.S. Route 1, Florida State Road 818, Interstate 95, and Interstate 595. U.S. Route 1 includes an underpass beneath Runway 10R/28L, providing easy access to the airport.

FLL is conveniently accessible via various transportation options. It is close to the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport at Dania Beach train station, served by Tri-Rail commuter trains, and the Fort Lauderdale station, which is served by Brightline. Both rail services provide shuttle bus connections to different locations within the airport.

The airport is also served by Broward County Transit bus Route 1, which offers connections to the Broward Central Terminal in downtown Fort Lauderdale and Aventura Mall in Miami-Dade County. Additionally, ride-sharing services are available to and from the airport from designated pickup and drop-off areas.

For those driving to the airport, FLL offers parking options and a consolidated rental car facility, which can be accessed directly from Terminal 1 and via a free shuttle bus service from the other terminals.

IATA, ICAO, and FAA

The airport code FLL stands for Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. This airport is located in Broward County, Florida, roughly three miles southwest of downtown Fort Lauderdale and 21 miles north of Miami.

IATA

The International Air Transport Association issues IATA codes. These are the three-letter airport codes that travellers are most familiar with. Flight ticketing, baggage handling, and cargo shipping primarily use these codes. Only airports with regular scheduled passenger and cargo service get an IATA code.

ICAO

The ICAO, or the International Civil Aviation Organization, is a UN body that focuses on international harmonization of civil aviation regulations. ICAO codes are four-letter codes used globally in flight operations and air traffic control. These codes are concise yet unambiguous for pilots and air traffic control.

FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration assigns Location Identifiers (LIDs) to airports within the United States. LIDs are three or four letters long and are only involved in domestic flight operations. FAA LIDs are only valid for the United States but include small airfields that have no other codes.

The airport's history

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport, also known as Fort Lauderdale Airport and historically as Merle Fogg Field and Broward County International Airport, is located in Broward County, Florida, United States. The airport code FLL is derived from its location, with the two Ls likely coming from "Hollywood".

The airport was established in 1929 when World War I aviator Merle Fogg purchased an abandoned nine-hole golf course that had been destroyed in the 1926 Miami hurricane for $1,200. On May 1, 1929, the airport officially opened as Merle Fogg Field, with two criss-cross unpaved runways.

At the start of World War II, it was commissioned by the United States Navy and renamed Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale. The runways were paved, and a control tower was built. The base was initially used for refitting airliners for military service before they were ferried across the Atlantic. NAS Fort Lauderdale later became a primary training base for Naval Aviators and enlisted naval air crewmen flying the Grumman TBF and TBM Avenger. NAS Fort Lauderdale was also the home base for Flight 19, the five TBM Avengers that disappeared in December 1945, contributing to the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle.

NAS Fort Lauderdale closed on October 1, 1946, and was transferred to county control, becoming Broward County International Airport. Commercial flights to Nassau began in 1953, and domestic flights started in 1958–1959. In 1959, the airport opened its first permanent terminal building and assumed its current name.

In the 1990s, low-cost airline traffic grew, with Southwest opening its base in 1996, followed by Spirit in 1999, and JetBlue in 2000. In 2003, JetBlue made FLL a focus city, and Spirit Airlines made it a hub in 2002.

Today, Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport is a modern and efficient airport, offering a wide range of amenities and services. It serves as a crucial gateway for travellers to and from South Florida, with over 700 daily flights to 135 domestic and international destinations. The airport has become an intercontinental hub, connecting millions of passengers worldwide.

Airlines that use the airport

Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is located in Broward County, Florida, United States, about 3 miles from downtown Fort Lauderdale and 21 miles north of Miami. It is the second busiest airport in the Miami metropolitan area, with over 700 daily flights to 135 destinations. The airport is a hub for several airlines and serves as a base for Allegiant Air, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines.

• Allegiant Air: Allegiant Air is an American low-cost airline that was founded in 1997. The airline has a base at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and offers flights to various destinations within the United States, including Baltimore, Indianapolis, Nashville, and Raleigh/Durham.
• JetBlue Airways: JetBlue is a major American low-cost carrier that was established in 1999. The airline has a significant presence at FLL, with the airport serving as a base for its operations. JetBlue offers flights to numerous destinations, such as Boston, New York-JFK, and San Juan.
• Spirit Airlines: Spirit Airlines is an ultra-low-cost carrier headquartered near Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The airline has a large presence at FLL, using it as a hub for its extensive network of flights. Spirit Airlines serves various destinations, including Atlantic City, Baltimore, and Cancún.
• Southwest Airlines: Southwest Airlines is a major American carrier that operates a significant number of flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The airport serves as the airline's primary gateway to South Florida. Southwest offers flights to destinations like Baltimore, Chicago-Midway, and Denver.
• Delta Air Lines: Delta is one of the world's largest airlines and has a presence at FLL. The airline offers flights to several destinations, including Atlanta, Boston, and New York-LaGuardia. Delta also operates a Sky Club lounge at the airport.
• Air Canada: Air Canada, Canada's flag carrier, operates flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Canadian cities such as Toronto and Montreal. The airline serves Terminal 2 of the airport.
• Caribbean Airlines: Caribbean Airlines is a Caribbean-based carrier that uses Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport as a focus city. The airline offers flights to destinations like Kingston and Port of Spain.
• United Airlines: United Airlines is a major American carrier that serves Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The airline has a United Club lounge in Terminal 1 and offers flights to various destinations across its network.
• AirTran Airways: AirTran Airways, now a part of Southwest Airlines, operates flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The airline serves Terminal 1 of the airport.
• Silver Airways: Silver Airways is a regional airline that has its headquarters at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The airline offers flights to destinations within Florida and the Caribbean.
• Delta Connection (ExpressJet): Delta Connection, operated by ExpressJet, provides regional flights for Delta Air Lines. At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Delta Connection serves Terminal 2.
• Air Jamaica (Caribbean Airlines): Air Jamaica, now a part of Caribbean Airlines, operates flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. The airline serves Terminal 4 of the airport.

In addition to these airlines, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is served by numerous other carriers, including both domestic and international airlines. The airport has four terminals and is currently expanding to add a new Terminal 5, expected to be completed by mid-2026.

Frequently asked questions