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List of airports in Florida facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Florida is a sunny state in the United States where lots of people visit and live. Because so many people travel here, Florida has many airports! These airports help people fly in and out, and they also help move goods around. This article will tell you about the different kinds of airports in Florida, from the really busy ones to smaller fields where private planes land.

What are Airports?

An airport is a special place where airplanes take off and land. It usually has runways, buildings for passengers (called terminals), and towers where air traffic controllers guide planes safely. Airports are super important for travel and business, connecting Florida to the rest of the world!

Types of Airports in Florida

Florida has many different kinds of airports. They are grouped by how they are used.

Busy Commercial Airports

These are the biggest airports where you catch flights on major airlines. Millions of passengers travel through them every year! They are often called "primary airports" because they handle so much air traffic.

Orlando International Airport terminal from arriving airplane
Orlando International Airport is one of Florida's busiest airports, welcoming millions of travelers each year.

Here are some of the busiest commercial airports in Florida:

  • Orlando International Airport (MCO): This is often the busiest airport in Florida. It's a huge gateway for tourists visiting theme parks.
  • Miami International Airport (MIA): A very important airport for international travel, connecting Florida to countries all over the world.
  • Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL): Another major airport in South Florida, popular for both vacationers and business travelers.
  • Tampa International Airport (TPA): A busy airport serving the Tampa Bay area.
  • Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers: This airport serves the beautiful beaches and Gulf Coast areas.
  • Jacksonville International Airport (JAX): The main airport for Northeast Florida.
  • Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) in West Palm Beach: Serves the Palm Beach area.
  • Pensacola International Airport (PNS): A key airport in the Florida Panhandle.
  • Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (SRQ): Serves the Sarasota and Bradenton areas.
  • Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB): Another airport near Orlando, often used by budget airlines.
  • St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE): Serves the St. Petersburg and Clearwater beaches.
  • Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) in Panama City: A newer airport serving the Panhandle's popular beaches.
  • Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS): Located near Eglin Air Force Base, it serves the Destin and Fort Walton Beach areas.
  • Key West International Airport (EYW): The southernmost airport in the continental U.S., serving the famous Florida Keys.
  • Tallahassee International Airport (TLH): The main airport for Florida's capital city.
  • Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB): Serves the Daytona Beach area, famous for its motorsports.
  • Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV): Serves the city of Gainesville.
  • Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB): Serves the Space Coast region.
  • Punta Gorda Airport (PGD): A growing airport in Southwest Florida.

Smaller Commercial and Reliever Airports

Some airports are smaller but still have commercial flights, like Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) and Vero Beach Regional Airport (VRB).

"Reliever airports" are designed to take some of the air traffic away from the busiest airports. They often handle private planes or smaller commercial flights, helping to keep the skies less crowded around the major hubs. Examples include Boca Raton Airport (BCT) and Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL).

General Aviation Airports

These airports are mostly for private planes, flight training, and small business jets. They don't usually have scheduled airline flights. Many towns in Florida have a general aviation airport. Some examples are Bartow Executive Airport (BOW) and Naples Municipal Airport (APF).

Military and Government Airports

Florida is home to several important military bases and government airports. These are used by the United States Armed Forces for training, operations, and defense. Some are also used by government agencies like NASA.

Here are a few examples:

  • MacDill Air Force Base (MCF) in Tampa: An important Air Force base.
  • Naval Air Station Jacksonville (NIP): A large Navy base in Jacksonville.
  • Tyndall Air Force Base (PAM) in Panama City: Another significant Air Force base.
  • Patrick Space Force Base (COF) in Cocoa Beach: Important for space launches.
  • NASA Shuttle Landing Facility (TTS) in Titusville: Used for space shuttle landings in the past.

Former Airports

Over time, some airports close down or are replaced by newer, larger ones. For example, Imeson Field in Jacksonville was replaced by Jacksonville International Airport.

Busiest Florida Airports Traffic History

This chart shows how many people have flown through some of Florida's busiest airports since the year 2000. You can see how popular these airports are and how much air travel has grown over the years!

See also

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List of airports in Florida Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.