Florida Airports: Exploring the 5 Largest Airports in the Sunshine State

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 Florida, also known as the Sunshine State, attracts a massive influx of visitors every year who come to enjoy its beautiful beaches, explore various tourist attractions, and indulge in the thrills of its famous theme parks, such as The Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios. As a result, Florida boasts the highest number of both international and domestic airports in the United States, totaling 140 airports. Among these, 20 are dedicated to scheduled passenger service and general aviation, 11 are private-use landing fields, and 109 are public-use airports. Each of these airports offers different services and caters to a diverse range of travelers. In this article, we will take a closer look at the five largest airports in Florida based on total area.


1. Southwest Florida International Airport

Serving the Southwest Florida region, the Southwest Florida International Airport stands as a major county-owned airport situated in Lee County. The airport's primary metropolitan areas include Naples-Marco Island, Cape Coral-Fort Myers, and Punta Gorda. Besides its regional significance, this airport also serves as a United States Customs and Border Protection port of entry.


Despite being second only to San Diego International Airport as the busiest single-runway airport in the U.S., Southwest Florida International Airport holds its own by welcoming over 10 million passengers in 2022—a record-breaking number for the airport. Encompassing a vast area of approximately 13,555 acres (roughly 5,485 hectares), this airport claims the title of the largest airport in Florida based on total land area and ranks as the third-largest airport in the entire United States.


2. Orlando International Airport

As one of the most significant airports in Florida, Orlando International Airport is strategically located just a few miles from Downtown Orlando, making it a bustling hub for travelers. This airport secures its place as the third busiest in the Sunshine State and the seventh busiest across the U.S. Among the major airlines operating here are Silver Airways, JetBlue, Spirit Airlines, Avelo Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, with Southwest Airlines leading in passenger traffic.


Orlando International Airport serves as a vital gateway for the central Florida region, offering access to a remarkable 135 domestic and international destinations and facilitating over 850 daily flights operated by 44 airlines. Covering an extensive area of 11,605 acres (approximately 4,696 hectares), this airport ranks as the second largest in Florida by total area and stands among the largest commercial airports in the United States.


3. Jacksonville International Airport

Located 13 miles from Downtown Jacksonville in Duval County, the Jacksonville International Airport is a significant civil-military public airport under the ownership and operation of the Jacksonville Aviation Authority. This airport holds a prominent position among the largest airports in the Sunshine State, encompassing an impressive 7,911 acres (around 3,201 hectares) of land, equipped with two concrete runways.


4. Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport

Situated 18 miles northwest of Panama City in Bay County, the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport serves the surrounding region and is owned by the Panama City-Bay County Airport and Industrial District. Covering an expansive area of 4,000 acres (approximately 1,600 hectares), this public airport took over from the Panama City-Bay County International Airport in Panama City.


5. Tampa International Airport

Originally known as the Drew Field Municipal Airport until 1952, the Tampa International Airport is situated just six miles west of Downtown Tampa in Hillsborough County. Boasting an impressive array of connectivity, this airport offers non-stop flights to 93 destinations across multiple carriers, spanning the United States, Canada, Central America, Europe, and the Caribbean. Tampa International Airport occupies a total area of 3,300 acres (approximately 1,300 hectares) and houses three runways to accommodate its bustling air traffic.


Conclusion

With its plethora of airports, Florida stands as a testament to the state's popularity as a top travel destination. Each of the five largest airports in the Sunshine State holds its own unique significance, catering to millions of travelers annually and playing an essential role in facilitating smooth travel experiences. Whether you are visiting for leisure, business, or simply passing through, these airports offer a glimpse of the vibrant and diverse culture that Florida has to offer.

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