Getting to Destin is a hot topic for many. It just so happens to be one of spring break’s hot spots for the states surrounding Florida and beyond. Residing in the panhandle, Destin is a hop, skip, and jump away from the border of Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and even Louisiana.
With that kind of access, it’s no wonder the city has exploded in popularity over the last few decades. It’s easy for many living in a short driving distance to get there and soak up the sun. However, when your time is limited, the last thing you want to do is spend half your trip driving to and from a destination.
We’re here to answer the question, “Are there airports in Destin Florida?”
Not only are there airports close by, but there is more than one on the strip of land surrounded by ocean. So, what is the closest airport to Destin Florida? Let’s find out!
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport
Located just outside the city in question, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport opens at 4 a.m. each day. The closest airport to Destin FL without hitting the beach is this local hub for commercial airlines. Technically, even though it’s for public flights, the location resides on Eglin Air Force Base.
There are typically only about six airlines that have clearance to land at D-FW Beach Airport. These are the approved options:
- Allegiant Air
- American Airlines
- American Eagle
- Delta Air Lines
- Southwest Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines
As you can imagine, this is not a huge airport but most of the airlines who fly in are accessible to a wide range of people. It takes about 30 minutes to get from D-FW Airport to the actual beach. Due to the limitations of the airport, flights here might be more costly than a neighboring international airport but that short of a drive might make it worth the expense. 
Destin Executive Airport
A stone’s throw from Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport, Destin Executive Airport attracts all non-commercial flights and business aircraft. That includes the likes of JSX, an airline based out of Texas that offers round-trip flights from Dallas and Houston to Destin on a seasonal basis. Southern Airways Express also frequents Destin Executive Airport and services passengers from Memphis and Tampa.
This airport is right in the midst of everything as it’s smack dab in Destin. You could feasibly deplane and be lying out on the sand in a handful of minutes. I’m not saying someone wealthy enough to land here is impatient, but I’m not NOT saying it, either.
No matter how you get there, it’s for sure the most convenient place to land with the least amount of hassle, thanks to the private-plane nature of the airport.
Fort Walton Beach Airfield
About 40 minutes west of the splashes and sand is a privately owned but publicly open airport in Navarre. Honestly, you could step off the plane and walk a few minutes south to hit the ocean. That’s how close the airport is to the coast.
The entirety of the airport is about 15 acres. Clearly, this is not a heavily trafficked airport. However, Fort Walton Beach Airfield is only two miles from the city’s business district. So, when you land, you’ll have sweet access to everything you need to get started on a beach trip. 
Peter Prince Field
Stretched out across 226 acres is a general aviation airport owned by the county. Peter Prince Field is an hour north and only has one runway. Since it’s not overly busy, the field is also used as a flight training school.
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport
An hour east toward Panama City is the first international airport built after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. That makes Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport one that was designed with safety in mind. The idea came together to have international access to Panama City, but that hasn’t exactly panned out.
As luck would have it, that particular beach destination is not one of global acclaim but, instead, mostly specific to the US. In other words, while it may have international in the title, there are only domestic flights going in and out of this airport.
One of the bigger airports on the list, the entire area takes up 4,000 acres. A majority of passengers come from the following airlines:
- American Airlines
- American Eagle
- Delta Air Lines
- Southwest Airlines
- United Express
Despite not living up to its name, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport stays pretty busy. So busy, in fact, that Southern Sky Aviation is expected to begin doing business here shortly.
Pensacola International Airport
The real meat and potatoes of the Florida panhandle, when it comes to flight, might be Pensacola International Airport. It’s the second-largest airport when accounting for passengers in the region. However, like the last airport, this one does not have scheduled international flights. That does not stop it from receiving international visitors, though. Chartered flights from around the world are not uncommon.
From Pensacola, you can expect to fly out from more airlines. Those included are:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Silver Airways
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- Boutique Air
- Spirit Airlines
This airport might be the furthest away, about an hour and a quarter drive, but likely has the most budget-friendly fares in the region.
Choosing an Airport
As you can tell, asking, “What airport is close to Destin Florida,” results in several answers. Having a handful of airports to choose from is always a nice problem to have, for a number of reasons.
When it comes to deciding which airport makes the most sense for your trip, there are a few things to consider. The first is your point of origin. Depending on where you fly in from, there might be one airport that sticks out more than the others.
The same goes for the type of plane or airline you choose. Not all carriers drop in at the same airports. Also, not all airports are in proximity to things like rental car companies. Before finalizing travel plans, be sure to flush out the trip’s priorities so the goal of maximizing time and resources is accomplished.
