Lois Larson
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (IATA: PIE) is a medium-sized, public/military airport in Clearwater, Florida, serving the Tampa Bay Area. It is located on the west shoreline of Tampa Bay, six miles north of St. Petersburg, nine miles north of downtown St. Petersburg, seven miles southeast of Clearwater, and 17 miles southwest of Tampa. The airport began as a WWII military training base, Pinellas Army Airfield, and later became Pinellas International Airport, where its identifier PIE originated.
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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 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.
The airport began as a World War II military training base known as Pinellas Army Airfield. Construction of the airport at its present site started in March 1941. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the airport was 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. During the war, the airfield also flew antisubmarine patrols against German U-boats in the Gulf of Mexico.
In 1947, the first commercial airline service was inaugurated at the airport by the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line of Tony Jannus, barely a decade after the pioneer flight of the Wright brothers. The inaugural flight took place from a location near the downtown St. Petersburg Pier, flying across the bay to Tampa.
In the following decades, various airlines operated out of St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport, including Air Florida, Red Carpet Airlines, Sun Air, Northeastern International Airways, People Express, and Atlantic Gulf Airlines. The airport continues to serve a mix of civil and military aviation, flight training operations, air carriers, and a law enforcement aviation unit.
Today, St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport offers non-stop air service to over 60 destinations and is a vital part of the Pinellas tourism industry, contributing over $1 billion to the local economy. The airport is also home to the archives of the Florida Aviation Historical Society, commemorating the rich history of aviation in the region.
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The airport's location and nearby attractions
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (IATA: PIE, ICAO: KPIE, FAA LID: PIE) is located in Pinellas County, Florida, United States, serving the Tampa Bay Area. It is situated 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 just moments from the award-winning beaches of Pinellas County, as well as St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Tampa.
The airport is conveniently located near several attractions. Downtown St. Petersburg is just a short drive away, where you can visit the St. Petersburg Museum of History, which houses the archives of the Florida Aviation Historical Society and a replica of the Benoist XIV aircraft that inaugurated commercial air travel. St. Petersburg is also known for its beautiful beaches, offering a relaxing day by the water or a variety of water sports activities.
Clearwater, located just southeast of the airport, is another popular destination for its stunning beaches and waterfront attractions. Clearwater Beach is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the United States, offering soft white sand and clear waters. The city also boasts a vibrant dining and entertainment scene, with a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore.
For those interested in history and culture, Tampa, located a short drive from the airport, offers a wealth of options. The Tampa Bay area is home to several notable museums, including the Tampa Museum of Art, the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, and the Henry B. Plant Museum. Tampa also offers a vibrant nightlife scene, with Ybor City, a historic neighbourhood known for its Cuban culture and lively bars and restaurants, being a popular destination.
Additionally, the airport's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico provides opportunities for exploring the coastline and enjoying water activities. The area is also known for its natural beauty, with parks and nature reserves offering hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities.
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Airlines and destinations
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is a medium-sized airport located in Clearwater, Florida, serving the Tampa Bay Area. The airport is situated 9 miles north of downtown St. Petersburg, 7 miles southeast of Clearwater, and 17 miles southwest of Tampa.
During the 1950s and 1960s, several major U.S. airlines served PIE, including Delta Air Lines, Eastern Air Lines, National Airlines, and Northwest Airlines. Eastern Airlines was the last scheduled airline at PIE during the mid-1960s, ending flights in 1964. Scheduled air service returned in 1972 with Air Florida, which operated intrastate flights to Miami and Orlando.
Today, Allegiant Air is the primary airline at PIE, offering nonstop flights to 60 cities, including Las Vegas, Nashville, and Pittsburgh. Allegiant Air is known for its budget-friendly fares and operates more than 20 departures daily from PIE. Sun Country Airlines also operates from PIE, connecting travelers to destinations like Minneapolis and Dallas-Fort Worth, with several flights each week.
In the spring of 2005, five airlines were operating jet service into the airport, including two U.S.-based carriers and three Canadian-based carriers. These included ATA Airlines, CanJet, Jetsgo, Skyservice Airlines, and USA 3000 Airlines.
PIE offers non-stop service to more than 60 destinations, including both domestic and international flights. Some of the key destinations served by PIE include:
- Minneapolis/St. Paul
- Nashville
- Pittsburgh
- Las Vegas
- Atlanta
- Fort Lauderdale
- Miami
- New York/Newark
- Toronto
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Military use
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. 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, Pinellas Army Airfield, and was acquired by the United States Army Air Forces after the attack on Pearl Harbor. During the war, the 304th Fighter Squadron, a combat training unit of the 337th Fighter Group, was based at Pinellas Army Airfield and flew 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.
Today, the airport continues to support military aviation, with a significant number of military aircraft using the facility. It consists of two intersecting runways – RWY 4/22 and RWY 18/36 – and is classified as Class D airspace, underlying Tampa (TPA) Class B Airspace. The Class D ceiling at PIE changes depending on its location beneath TPA Class B.
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Health and safety measures
St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (IATA: PIE, ICAO: KPIE, FAA LID: PIE) is located in Pinellas County, Florida, serving the Tampa Bay Area. The airport is committed to ensuring the health and safety of its passengers and employees, as seen through the following measures:
- Following CDC Guidance: The airport adheres to the guidelines provided by the CDC to maintain a safe environment for all.
- Mandatory Masks: Masks are required in all indoor areas within the airport. Complimentary masks are provided at mask dispensers located at entrances, TSA Checkpoint entries, and the Visitor Information Booth, ensuring that anyone who needs a mask can easily access one.
- Social Distancing: Social distancing is encouraged, and the airport's spacious layout helps facilitate this.
- Sanitation: Hand sanitizing stations are placed throughout the airport, allowing passengers and staff to maintain clean hands and prevent the spread of germs.
- Enhanced Cleaning Protocols: The airport has implemented enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures, particularly in high-touch areas, to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
- Health Screening: During the COVID-19 pandemic, health screening procedures, such as temperature checks and health declaration forms, were introduced to identify potentially unwell individuals.
- Staff Training: Airport staff are well-trained in health and safety protocols, enabling them to effectively implement and enforce the necessary measures.
- Communication: Clear and frequent communication about health and safety protocols is provided to passengers through various mediums, including signage, announcements, and the airport's website.
The health and safety measures at PIE are regularly reviewed and updated based on the latest recommendations from local and international health authorities. These measures demonstrate the airport's commitment to protecting the well-being of its passengers and employees, ensuring a safe and comfortable travel experience for all.
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Frequently asked questions
PIE, also known as St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport, is a medium-sized multi-use airport in Clearwater, Florida, just north of St. Petersburg.
Construction of the airport began in March 1941. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the airport was acquired by the United States Army Air Forces and used as a military flight training base during World War II. It later became a commercial airport, with the first airline tickets being sold by the St. Petersburg-Tampa Airboat Line of Tony Jannus to fare-paying passengers.
Airlines that operate from PIE airport include Allegiant Air, Red Carpet Airlines, Sun Air, Northeastern International Airways, People Express, Atlantic Gulf Airlines, and Florida Express.
PIE airport is located near Pinellas County’s award-winning beaches, as well as the cities of St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Tampa. The St. Petersburg Museum of History is also located adjacent to the Pier.
