Roberta Aguirre
Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a major airport in Broward County, Florida, serving as a gateway to South Florida and handling over 700 daily flights to 135 destinations. FLL is located 3 miles southwest of downtown Fort Lauderdale and 21 miles north of Miami. The airport has four terminals offering various amenities, including restaurants, cafes, shops, and lounges. FLL has been impacted by natural disasters such as Hurricane Wilma and historic flooding, causing disruptions and temporary closures. With its proximity to Miami and convenient transportation options, FLL serves as a crucial aviation hub for both locals and visitors to South Florida.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Broward County, Florida, United States |
| Distance from Fort Lauderdale | 3 miles (4.8 km) southwest |
| Distance from Miami | 21 miles (34 km) north |
| Ranking in the US | 21st busiest airport |
| Number of terminals | 4 |
| Number of daily flights | 700+ |
| Number of destinations | 135 |
| Airlines that use it as a base | Allegiant Air, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines |
| Airlines that heavily rely on it | Southwest Airlines |
| Transportation options | Rental cars, taxis, rideshares, public transportation, trains |
| Services | Visual and hearing aids, wheelchair assistance, Fast Track security screening |
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What You'll Learn
The airport is located in a flood-prone area
Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport is located in a flood-prone area. The airport is situated in Broward County, Florida, and is surrounded by the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Dania Beach. This region experiences frequent tropical storms and hurricanes, which can result in significant flooding.
The airport's location in a low-lying area near the coast makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding. In October 2005, Hurricane Wilma caused substantial damage to the airport, leading to a five-day closure. More recently, in April 2023, historic flooding in the area severely disrupted operations, with rainwater inundating parts of the tarmac and airport property, necessitating another complete closure.
The airport's proximity to the coast and its position at the intersection of multiple bodies of water, including the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the New River to the north, contribute to its susceptibility to flooding. The flat topography of the surrounding area also plays a role, as it allows floodwaters to spread easily over a large area.
To mitigate the impacts of flooding, the airport has likely implemented various measures. These may include elevating certain critical infrastructure and ensuring that drainage systems are well-maintained. However, the airport's location in a flood-prone area remains a challenge, and even with precautions in place, significant weather events can still cause disruptions to operations and impact the safety of personnel, passengers, and aircraft.
As a result of its location, the airport regularly experiences and contends with the challenges posed by flooding. These include ensuring the resilience of airport infrastructure, implementing effective emergency response plans, and safeguarding the efficient operation of the airport during and after flood events. The airport's management and staff are well-versed in dealing with these challenges due to their experience with previous flooding incidents.
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It is a major hub for commercial traffic
Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a major hub for commercial traffic. It 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 easily accessible by various means of transportation, including rental cars, taxis, rideshares, and public transportation. Local bus routes and a free shuttle service are also available for passengers travelling between terminals and to the rental car centre.
FLL is a pivotal air travel hub for both locals and visitors to South Florida. It is the second busiest of the Miami metropolitan area's commercial airports, with over 700 daily flights to 135 domestic and international destinations. The airport has evolved into an intercontinental gateway, particularly favoured by budget airlines. While Miami International Airport primarily handles long-haul flights, FLL serves as the primary airport for Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, and Boca Raton. It is also a crucial secondary option for parts of Miami and areas north of Boca Raton, providing accessibility to communities like Delray Beach, Jupiter, Boynton Beach, and West Palm Beach.
FLL offers a range of amenities and services to enhance the travel experience. The airport has four terminals, each with a variety of dining and shopping options. Terminal 1, the new terminal, features modern facilities, while Terminals 2, 3, and 4 provide a selection of eateries catering to different tastes and dietary needs. FLL also has a Fast Track program to expedite security screening, and Global Entry and TSA PreCheck programs for expedited passport and security screening for eligible passengers.
The airport is a base of operations for several airlines, including Allegiant Air, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines, with Spirit's corporate headquarters situated nearby. Southwest Airlines also relies on FLL as its primary South Florida gateway. Over the years, various airlines have introduced seasonal and year-round routes to destinations such as London, Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm, and Tel Aviv. With its convenient location, efficient facilities, and focus on customer service, Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport plays a significant role in commercial air traffic.
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FLL is a base for Allegiant Air, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines
Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a major public airport located in Broward County, Florida. It is roughly 3 miles (4.8-5 km) southwest of downtown Fort Lauderdale and 21 miles (34 km) north of Miami. The airport is classified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a "major hub" facility serving commercial air traffic. FLL is the 21st busiest airport in the United States and the second busiest of the Miami metropolitan area's commercial airports. It offers over 700 daily flights to 135 domestic and international destinations and serves as a base for Silver Airways, Allegiant Air, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines.
Allegiant Air is a low-cost carrier that has committed to growth in areas such as New York, Boston, and Florida. In 2023, JetBlue agreed to transfer Spirit Airlines assets at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Allegiant Air. This includes up to five gates at FLL, which will facilitate Allegiant's ULCC growth at the airport. The transfer of these assets is subject to the approval of local authorities and relevant government departments.
JetBlue is a major airline that has established itself as a competitive carrier, bringing high-quality, affordable service to a wide variety of travellers across the United States. In addition to its presence at FLL, JetBlue also has a strong presence at other airports, such as Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
Spirit Airlines is a carrier with a strong presence at FLL, operating primarily out of Terminal 4. The airline offers numerous flights to and from the airport, and its corporate headquarters is located nearby in Miramar, Florida. Spirit Airlines' presence at FLL provides convenient access to its nearby Escape Lounge, which offers private workspaces, cozy reading areas, dining spaces, and a selection of beverages.
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The airport has a history of hurricane damage
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, located in Broward County, Florida, has a history of hurricane damage. The airport is situated near the coast, southwest of downtown Fort Lauderdale and north of Miami. Due to its location, the airport has experienced several hurricane-related incidents over the years, causing damage to its infrastructure and disrupting its operations.
One notable incident occurred in October 2005 when Hurricane Wilma made landfall. The hurricane caused significant damage to the airport, including roof damage, broken windows, damaged jetways, and destroyed canopies. As a result, the airport was forced to close for five days to undergo repairs and recovery efforts. Hurricane Wilma's impact on the airport highlights the challenges of operating an aviation hub in a region prone to tropical storms and hurricanes.
The airport's history with hurricanes dates back even further. In 1926, the site where the airport was later built was an abandoned nine-hole golf course that was destroyed by the 1926 Miami hurricane. Aviator Merle Fogg purchased the land in 1928 and established an airfield, which officially opened as Merle Fogg Field in 1929. This early incident set the tone for the airport's ongoing struggle with hurricane damage.
In more recent years, the airport has continued to experience the impacts of severe weather. In April 2023, historic flooding in the area caused significant disruptions, with rainwater flooding parts of the tarmac and airport property. Once again, the airport had to close temporarily to address the flood damage and ensure the safety of its operations.
The airport's location in a hurricane-prone region presents ongoing challenges and requires constant preparedness and resilience. The facility must adhere to strict building codes and implement robust emergency response plans to mitigate the risks associated with hurricanes and tropical storms. Despite these challenges, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport remains a crucial gateway to South Florida, serving millions of passengers each year.
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It is a gateway to South Florida
Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a bustling gateway to South Florida. Located at the crossroads of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Dania Beach in Broward County, Florida, the airport serves as a pivotal air travel hub for both locals and visitors.
With over 700 daily flights to 135 domestic and international destinations, the airport has become an intercontinental gateway. It is the 21st busiest airport in the United States and is located just 3 miles southwest of downtown Fort Lauderdale and 21 miles north of Miami. The airport is easily accessible from Interstate 595, Interstate 95, U.S. Route 1, Florida State Road A1A, and Florida State Road 5.
FLL is a base of operations for Allegiant Air, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines, with Spirit’s corporate headquarters situated nearby in Miramar, Florida. Southwest Airlines also heavily relies on FLL as its primary South Florida gateway, offering numerous flights to and from this dynamic airport, as well as Miami and Palm Beach.
The airport has four terminals, each offering a variety of amenities to enhance the travel experience. Terminal 1, known as the "New Terminal," features modern facilities and a host of dining and shopping options. Terminals 2, 3, and 4 also provide a selection of eateries ranging from quick snacks to full-service restaurants, catering to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs. The airport has a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars that cater to different tastes and preferences, including popular options such as Burger King, Dunkin' Donuts, and Starbucks. When it comes to shopping, the airport has several retail stores selling clothing, accessories, electronics, and souvenirs.
Transportation options to and from FLL are robust, with choices including rental cars, taxis, rideshares, and public transportation. The airport provides easy access to downtown Fort Lauderdale and other nearby areas, making it a convenient gateway to South Florida.
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