Have you ever been to Florida? It is a state located in the Southeastern region of the United States covering a total area of 65, 758 square miles. The major economic sources of this state are tourism, hospitality, agriculture, transportation, and real estate.
To contribute to the tourism sector of Florida, a city called Destin located in Okaloosa County plays an important role as it features white beaches and emerald green waters. There are various recreational events conducted at Destin’s beaches. Over 4.5 million tourists visit Destin every year to enjoy the natural beauty.
You must be wondering how to reach Destin Florida to explore the whitest beaches and enjoy various natural amenities. Well, you can reach Destin via roadway however, we will be dealing with airway transportation in this article.
For that, we have presented all the closest airports to Destin Florida including airport technical information, commercial operation, airlines, airport facilities, and much more.
Table of Contents
Closest Airports to Destin Florida
There are 6 closest airports to Destin Florida including Destin Executive Airport, Destin-Florida Beach Airport, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, Pensacola International Airport, and Defuniak Springs Airport.
| AIRPORT NAME | DISTANCE FROM DESTIN FLORIDA | ESTIMATED DRIVING TIME |
| Destin Executive Airport | 1.9 miles | 5 minutes |
| Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport | 15.8 miles | 25 minutes |
| Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport | 51.9 miles | 1 hour 4 minutes |
| Pensacola International Airport | 51.1 miles | 1 hour 6 minutes |
| DeFuniak Springs Airport | 45 miles | 49 minutes |
Note: The distance mentioned in the table above is presented from Google Maps considering the fastest route with the usual traffic.
With this basic information, let’s explore all the closest airports to Destin Florida in detail.
Destin Executive Airport
Destin Executive Airport (ICAO: KDTS, IATA: DSI, FAA LID: DTS) is among the closest airports to Destin Florida as it is just 1.9 miles away. The airport owned by Okaloosa County is situated at an elevation of 22 ft (7m) AMSL.
The airport is also a primary base for Southern Airways Express which operates local flight services to various cities in the United States. DSI features one asphalt runway with the designation 14/32 and a dimension of 5,001 ft by 100 ft (1,524 m by 30 m).
Talking about commercial operation, Southern Airways Express operates scheduled commercial flights at Destin Executive Airport connecting Memphis and Tampa. Likewise, JSX (independent air carrier in the U.S.) conducts seasonal flights to Houston-Hobby and Dallas-Love from Destin.
DSI Technical Information
| ICAO CODE | KDTS |
| IATA CODE | DSI |
| FAA LID | DTS |
| ELEVATION | 22 ft (7m) AMSL |
| AREA | 395 acres (160 ha) |
| RUNWAY | 14/32 (5,001 ft by 100 ft) |
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (ICAO: KVPS, IATA: VPS, FAA LID: VPS) located in Okaloosa County is owned and operated by the United States Air Force. It is also among the closest airports to Destin Florida which serves the Fort Walton Beach region.
The airport is just 15.8 miles away from Destin, Florida, and is situated at an elevation of 87 ft (27m) AMSL. Commercial flights are only conducted from this airport so, operators must use Destin Executive Airport for non-commercial operations.
VPS Runway and Terminal Information
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is equipped with two asphalt runways; Runway 12/30 and Runway 01/19.
| RUNWAY DESIGNATION | DIMENSIONS | SURFACE |
| 12/30 | 11,987 ft by 300 ft (3,654 m by 91 m) | Asphalt |
| 01/19 | 10,001 ft by 300 ft (3,048 m by 91 m) | Asphalt |
VPS features one passenger terminal that accommodates five second-level gates along with passenger jetways. In addition, there are three ground-level commuter gates with passenger jetways. The passenger terminal is divided into two levels; First Level holds Gates A1, A2 and A3 with waiting areas and concessions whereas the second level accommodates Gates B1, B2, and B3 with a restaurant and concessions.
Facilities including baggage handling, ticketing, security check, food court, and check-in are available at the passenger terminal.
Airlines and Destinations
| AIRLINES | DESTINATIONS |
| Allegiant Air | St. Louis, Austin, Kansas City, Nashville, Dallas, and Baltimore |
| American Airlines | Washington DC, Chicago, Dallas, Charlotte |
| Delta Air Lines | New York and Atlanta |
| Southwest Airlines | St. Louis, Austin, Kansas City, Nashville, Dallas and Baltimore |
VPS Technical Information
| ICAO CODE | KVPS |
| IATA CODE | VPS |
| FAA LID | VPS |
| ELEVATION | 87 ft (27 m) AMSL |
| AREA | 6,500 acres (2,630 ha) |
| RUNWAY | 12/30 (11,987 ft by 300 ft) 01/19 (10,001 ft by 300 ft) |
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ICAO: KECP, IATA: ECP, FAA LID: ECP) is also on the list of closest airports to Destin Florida. The airport is situated at an elevation of 69 ft (21 m) AMSL and serves Panama City and Panama City Beach area.
Major US Carriers including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines operate scheduled commercial flights to various cities across the nation.
ECP Runway and Terminal Information
Northwest Florida Int’l Airport is equipped with only one concrete runway having the designation 16/34. This runway has a dimension of 10,000 ft by 150 ft (3,048 m by 46 m).
The airport features a new larger terminal covering a total area of 105,000 square feet. This terminal holds seven gates numbered from 1 to 7. Among 7 gates, Gates 1-5 are equipped with jet bridges whereas the remaining Gates 6 and 7 are placed on the ramp level to facilitate regional aircraft operation.
Airlines and Destinations
| AIRLINES | DESTINATIONS |
| American Airlines | Washington DC, Chicago, Charlotte, Philadelphia |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta |
| Southwest Airlines | Houston, Nashville, Washington DC, Atlanta, Austin, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Baltimore |
| United Airlines | Washington DC, Chicago, Houston, Dallas, Denver |
ECP Technical Information
| ICAO CODE | KECP |
| IATA CODE | ECP |
| FAA LID | ECP |
| ELEVATION | 69 ft (21 m) AMSL |
| AREA | 4,000 acres (1,600 ha) |
| RUNWAY | 16/34 (10,000 ft by 150 ft) |
Pensacola International Airport
Pensacola International Airport (ICAO: KPNS, IATA: PNS, FAA LID: PNS) is another closest airport to Destin Florida which is located in Escambia County. The airport resides at an elevation of 121 ft (37 m) AMSL and serves the Pensacola region in Florida.
The airport is owned and operated by the City of Pensacola. Major US Carriers including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines operate commercial flights to and from the Pensacola Int’l Airport.
PNS Runway and Terminal Information
Pensacola Int’l Airport features one concrete runway and one asphalt runway. Runway 17/35 is built with a concrete surface and has a dimension of 7,004 ft by 150 ft (2,135 m by 46 m). Likewise, Runway 08/26 has an asphalt surface with a dimension of 7,000 ft by 150 ft (2,134 m by 46 m).
| RUNWAY DESIGNATION | DIMENSION | SURFACE |
| 17/35 | 7,004 ft by 150 ft | Concrete |
| 08/26 | 7,000 ft by 150 ft | Asphalt |
The airport is equipped with one passenger terminal that holds 12 gates. Among 12 gates, 10 are placed on the second floor while the remaining two are available on the ground floor. Gates are assigned to airlines operating at the airport. Facilities including check-in, security, baggage claim, restaurant, ticketing, etc. are available at the terminal.
PNS Technical Information
| ICAO CODE | KPNS |
| IATA CODE | PNS |
| FAA LID | PNS |
| ELEVATION | 121 ft (37 m) AMSL |
| AREA | 1,211 acres (490 ha) |
| RUNWAY | 17/35 (7,004 ft by 150 ft) 08/26 (7,000 ft by 150 ft) |
DeFuniak Springs Airport
DeFuniak Springs Airport is also among the closest airports to Destin Florida. This is a public-use airport located in Walton County, Florida.
Residing at an elevation of 289 ft (88 m) AMSL, DeFuniak Airport serves the DeFuniak Springs region by facilitating private and recreational flying activities. Besides, the airport also provides business and corporate aviation flights.
The airport covers a total area of 343 acres and features two runways with the designation 09/27 and 18/36. Runway 09/27 is built with an asphalt surface and has a total length of 4,146 ft (1,264 m) whereas dirt runway 18/36 is 2,700 ft (823 m) long.
DeFuniak Springs Airport Technical Information
| ICAO CODE | – |
| IATA CODE | – |
| FAA LID | 54J |
| ELEVATION | 289 ft (88 m) AMSL |
| AREA | 343 acres |
| RUNWAY | 09/27 (4,146 ft long) – Asphalt Surface 18/36 (2,700 ft long) – Dirt Surface |
Conclusion on Closest Airports to Destin Florida
If you are planning to visit Destin Florida for any reason, you can land at the airports we discussed above and reach there easily. However, you need to select the airports operating scheduled commercial flights to and from Destin.
Among the 5 closest airports to Destin Florida, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, and Pensacola International Airport facilitate commercial flights connecting to various cities in the United States. Major US Carriers operate flights from these airports.
The best airport to fly to will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is the best choice. It is the closest airport to Destin and offers a variety of airlines and flight options. However, it can also be the busiest airport, so it is important to book your flights early.
If you are looking for a less crowded airport, then the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport or the Pensacola Gulf Coast Regional Airport may be a better option. These airports are located further away from Destin, but they offer more affordable flights and shorter wait times.
No matter which airport you choose, you will be sure to enjoy your vacation in Destin. The area has beautiful beaches, crystal-clear water, and plenty of activities to keep you entertained. So start planning your trip today!
FAQs on Closest Airports to Destin Florida
What is the closest major airport to Destin Florida?
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is the closest major airport to Destin Florida as it is just 15.8 miles away. Major US Carriers including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Allegiant Air and United Airlines operate flights to and from VPS.
What airlines fly close to Destin Florida?
Major airlines including American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Allegiant Air, Silver Airways and United Airlines fly close to Destin Florida.
What Southwest airport is closest to Destin Florida?
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) is the closest Southwest Airport to Destin Florida.
Is Panama City closer to Destin or Pensacola?
Panama City is closer to Destin as it is just 55.6 miles away whereas Pensacola is 103 miles away from Panama City.
