Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB): Speed City's Aviation Gateway and Embry-Riddle Hub
Daytona Beach International Airport (IATA: DAB, ICAO: KDAB) is one of Florida's most historically significant airports — an aviation facility whose identity is inseparable from the twin legacies of motorsport and aeronautical education that define Daytona Beach. Home to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's flagship campus, DAB is the world's most active flight training airport by some measures, with student pilots from over 100 countries logging thousands of touch-and-goes annually on its parallel runways. American Airlines and other carriers serve the airport with commercial flights, while the general aviation side handles one of the highest GA operation counts in the southeastern United States. On Daytona 500 weekend, DAB transforms into one of the busiest airport facilities in the country, processing private jets from across America as NASCAR fans converge on the adjacent Daytona International Speedway.
The airport operates two parallel runways — 7L/25R at approximately 10,500 feet and 7R/25L at approximately 7,500 feet — positioned to handle simultaneous IFR operations during Embry-Riddle's high-density training periods and commercial operations without conflict. DAB's control tower manages one of the most complex traffic mixes in Florida: commercial jets, Embry-Riddle training aircraft, business aviation, military transients, and cargo carriers all share the airspace. The Florida Department of Transportation's Aviation Office credits DAB with generating hundreds of millions of dollars in annual economic impact for Volusia County, anchored by Embry-Riddle's presence, commercial air service, and the airport's role as the primary air gateway to the Daytona Beach area's 10 million+ annual visitors.
Which airlines serve Daytona Beach International Airport?
American Airlines has been the primary commercial carrier at DAB, with service to hub airports including Charlotte (CLT) and Philadelphia (PHL). Seasonal and charter service may vary — check the airport's official site for current airline schedules.