Sanford Airport: Orlando's Alternative Aviation Hub Location

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is a medium-sized airport located in Sanford, Florida, about 20 miles north of Orlando International Airport. The airport is situated 24 miles to the northeast of downtown Orlando and was originally built as a Naval Air Station Sanford, a Master Jet Base for carrier-based attack and reconnaissance aircraft. Orlando Sanford International consists of two terminals (A and B) with 23 gates, all connected via walkway. Terminal A serves international travel, while Terminal B caters to domestic flights. The airport offers a range of dining and shopping options, as well as various services such as currency exchange, ATMs, and duty-free shopping.

Orlando Sanford International Airport's address

Orlando Sanford International Airport is located at 1200 Red Cleveland Boulevard, Sanford, Florida, in the United States. The airport is about 24 miles to the northeast of downtown Orlando and is situated just south of Highway 46 and to the east of Highway 417.

Orlando Sanford International Airport is a secondary airport serving the metropolitan areas of both Orlando and Sanford. It is a focus city for Allegiant Airlines and Allegiant Air, which is based in Las Vegas. The airport is owned and operated by the Sanford Airport Authority.

The airport has two terminals, A and B, with 23 gates connected by walkways. Terminal A serves international flights, while Terminal B serves domestic flights. There are nine airlines that fly in and out of the airport, serving several international and domestic locations.

Orlando Sanford International Airport has a variety of parking options, including economy, short-term, long-term, garage, and valet. There are five parking lots: Lot A, Lot B, Hourly, Garage, and the Cell Lot. Lot A and Lot B offer free shuttle services to the terminals.

The airport's history

Orlando Sanford International Airport (IATA: SFB, ICAO: KSFB, FAA LID: SFB) is located in Sanford, Florida, near Orlando. The airport is about 24 miles from downtown Orlando and is Orlando's secondary airport.

The airport was built as Naval Air Station Sanford, a Master Jet Base for carrier-based attack and reconnaissance aircraft. It was commissioned on November 3, 1942, and was used by the U.S. Navy for advanced land-based patrol plane training until 1969. During World War II, numerous aircraft mishaps occurred, although detailed data is not readily available.

In 1969, the City of Sanford took control of the former NAS Sanford and renamed it Sanford Airport. They hired Commander J. S. "Red" Cleveland, USN (Ret.), the air station's recently retired Executive Officer, as the first Airport Manager. The Sanford Airport Authority was also established at this time. For the next 25 years, the airport was a general aviation facility and played host to civilian and military air shows. The control tower, initially an uncontrolled airfield, was reactivated in the early 1970s as a non-FAA facility, employing retired Navy air traffic controllers.

The airport underwent several name changes over the years: Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, and Orlando Sanford Regional Airport, before becoming the Orlando Sanford International Airport we know today. Through the 1980s and 1990s, the oldest Navy buildings were demolished, and those built in the 1950s and 1960s were renovated for civil use. New buildings and hangars were added to the airport.

In the 1970s, the former OLF Osceola, which had been transferred to Seminole County, became a transshipment point for drug-smuggling aircraft. After a major drug interdiction operation, Seminole County deterred future illegal use by placing large speed bumps on the runways. By the 1980s, the site was used as a landfill, and the remaining runways were demolished.

In 1992, the Orlando Sanford Regional Airport served as a filming location for the action film "Passenger 57" starring Wesley Snipes. After filming, a new control tower was built, and air traffic control operations were assumed by the FAA.

In the mid-1990s, a new passenger terminal was constructed, capable of accommodating jet airliners. Many charter airlines that had previously been using Orlando International Airport relocated their operations to Sanford due to reduced landing fees.

In 1996, Michael Jackson and his team rehearsed for the HIStory World Tour at the airport before heading to Prague.

In 2010, Allegiant Air, for which Sanford is a focus city, moved many flights to the larger and more central Orlando International Airport. However, due to passenger feedback, all flights were eventually returned to Orlando Sanford.

In recent years, several airlines have ceased operations or moved their operations to other airports, including Thomas Cook Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Interjet, and TUI Airways. Despite this, Orlando Sanford International Airport continues to serve as an important gateway to the Orlando area and a focus city for Allegiant Air.

Facilities and services

Orlando Sanford International Airport (IATA: SFB, ICAO: KSFB, FAA LID: SFB) is located in Sanford, Florida, United States, and is about 18-24 miles northeast of downtown Orlando. The airport is owned and operated by the Sanford Airport Authority and serves as an operating base for Allegiant Air. It is Orlando's secondary airport, farther from downtown Orlando and Walt Disney World than the primary airport, Orlando International Airport.

Orlando Sanford International Airport has a range of facilities and services for travellers. The airport consists of two terminals (A and B) with 23 gates, all connected via walkway. Terminal A serves international travel, while Terminal B caters to domestic flights. There are several dining options, including quick-service and full-service restaurants, ranging from a food court to the Budweiser Tap Room. The airport also provides various shopping options, such as Hudson News for books and magazines, and Indulgences for clothing and accessories.

For travellers' convenience, the airport offers currency exchange services, ATMs, duty-free shopping, a shoeshine service, and the Royal Palm Lounge. Additionally, there are a variety of parking options, including economy, short-term, long-term, garage, and valet. Restrooms are located throughout the terminal, and a lactation pod is available. The airport also provides access to wheelchairs.

For transportation, taxis, limousines, vans, car rentals, and shuttles are readily available. There are also seven nearby hotel and motel options, including the Comfort Inn & Suites, the Hilton Garden Inn-Lake Mary, and the Holiday Inn Express.

The airport is also home to the L3 Harris Airline Academy, providing flight training for prospective regional and international pilots.

Transport options

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is located in Sanford, Florida, about 24 miles northeast of downtown Orlando. The airport serves as a hub for Allegiant Airlines and Allegiant Air, and offers both domestic and international flights.

When it comes to transport options, travellers have a variety of choices to get to and from the airport:

Car Services

Private car services offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel directly to and from the airport. This option is ideal for those who value privacy and a hassle-free experience.

Shuttles

Shuttle services provide a cost-effective way to travel between the airport and your destination in Orlando. These shuttles often operate on regular schedules and have designated drop-off points at popular hotels and tourist spots. Additionally, there is a free shuttle bus that runs to and from the surface parking lots directly to the front of the terminal. This shuttle is handicap accessible.

Limousines

For those seeking a touch of luxury, limousine services are available at Sanford Airport. Limousines offer a stylish and comfortable mode of transportation, perfect for special occasions or business trips.

Taxis

Taxi services are readily available at the airport, providing a convenient and direct way to get to your destination.

Ridesharing

Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also available at the airport for a more affordable and flexible travel option.

Car Rentals

If you prefer to drive yourself, car rental services are available at the airport, offering a range of vehicles to suit your needs.

Public Transportation

For those who want to utilise public transportation, there are local bus and train services that can be accessed from the airport.

Nearby Cities and Suburbs

When visiting Orlando, you may want to explore nearby cities and suburbs such as Sanford, Lake Mary, and Deltona, each offering its own unique attractions and experiences. Sanford, in particular, is known for its charming historic district, beautiful lakes, and welcoming atmosphere.

Hotels near the airport

Orlando Sanford International Airport is located in Sanford, Florida, about 24 miles from downtown Orlando. There are several hotels near the airport, with most of them providing a shuttle service. Here are some options:

Budget-friendly hotels:

• Extended Stay America Select Suites - This hotel is located 1.9 miles from the airport and offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and free WiFi.
• Budget Inn Sanford - Located 2.5 miles from the airport, this hotel provides free parking, free WiFi, and a central location.
• Travelodge by Wyndham Deltona - This motel is situated 4.5 miles from the airport and features an outdoor pool.
• MainStay Suites Orlando Altamonte Springs - Located 7 miles from the airport, this hotel offers an outdoor pool and quiet, comfortable suites.

Mid-range hotels:

• Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando North - This hotel is located 3.8 miles from the airport and provides free WiFi, free newspapers, and free local calls.
• SpringHill Suites Orlando Altamonte Springs/Maitland - 7.3 miles from the airport, this hotel offers a garden and an outdoor pool.
• Hyatt Place Lake Mary/Orlando North - Featuring an outdoor pool and a bakery café, this hotel is 4.7 miles from the airport.
• Hampton Inn & Suites at Lake Mary Colonial Townpark - Located 4.2 miles from the airport, this hotel offers a complimentary hot breakfast and is close to the Central Florida Zoo.

Luxury hotels:

• Home2 Suites By Hilton Lake Mary Orlando - Located 4.2 miles from the airport, this hotel offers spacious rooms, a complimentary breakfast, and a safe location.
• La Quinta by Wyndham Orlando Lake Mary - This hotel is 4.7 miles from the airport and features free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a daily continental breakfast.
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Orlando Altamonte Springs/Maitland - Located 7.3 miles from the airport, this hotel offers an outdoor pool, free private parking, and a complimentary breakfast.

Frequently asked questions