South Florida's Second International Hub: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and the Broward Aviation Ecosystem
Fort Lauderdale, Florida is home to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), one of the fastest-growing commercial airports in the United States and an increasingly significant alternative to Miami International Airport for South Florida's commercial aviation needs. FLL has evolved from a regional commuter hub into a major international airport serving tens of millions of passengers annually, with carriers including Southwest Airlines — which operates a massive hub here — JetBlue, and dozens of international carriers providing comprehensive domestic and international service. For many South Florida travelers, FLL offers a less congested, often lower-priced alternative to MIA.
The Broward County aviation ecosystem extends beyond FLL to include Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), one of the busiest general aviation airports in the nation. FXE handles an extraordinary volume of business jets, training aircraft, and charter operations, serving the corporate and private aviation demands of a county with significant financial, healthcare, and technology sector activity. Multiple FBOs at both FLL and FXE provide the full spectrum of aviation services expected by a world-class aviation market, from large cabin jet maintenance to line service for student training aircraft.
Fort Lauderdale's position as a cruise ship capital adds a unique dimension to its aviation character — the Port Everglades cruise terminal, located minutes from FLL, creates enormous aviation demand from cruise passengers who fly to Fort Lauderdale at the start or end of Caribbean and international voyages. This cruise-aviation connection generates consistent year-round passenger traffic and has been a key driver of FLL's growth into a major international hub. For travelers and aviation businesses alike, Fort Lauderdale's combination of commercial hub, GA executive airport, and tourism gateway creates one of America's most strategically important aviation cities.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major Florida Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
There are 1 International Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport - FLL is one of the busiest international airports in the Broward County and in the state of Florida.
Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport - Fll
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 0 Regional Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 0 Municipal Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Local Airports
There are 2 Local Airport in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport
Ona Airport And Speedway
Airports near Fort Lauderdale
Frequently Asked Questions: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, FXE, and Broward Aviation
Is FLL better than MIA for South Florida travel?
It depends on your specific needs. FLL typically offers lower fares on domestic routes, particularly with Southwest Airlines and JetBlue, and its terminals are often less congested than MIA's busiest international facilities. However, MIA provides superior international coverage, especially for Latin American, Caribbean, and European destinations, and has a broader range of airline options for many international itineraries. Fort Lauderdale residents and business travelers should regularly compare schedules and prices at both airports, as the competitive dynamic between FLL and MIA frequently creates opportunities for both cost savings and better routing options.
What makes Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE) significant?
Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport is one of the busiest general aviation airports in the United States by operations count, serving an enormous volume of business aviation, flight training, and charter traffic. Its multiple FBOs provide world-class ground handling for corporate jets while simultaneously supporting a robust flight training community that benefits from South Florida's year-round flying weather. FXE's proximity to Port Everglades and the cruise industry creates a distinctive charter aviation market serving cruise-related travel. The airport is a major economic engine for Broward County's aviation sector.
How does the cruise industry affect aviation in Fort Lauderdale?
Port Everglades, one of the world's busiest cruise ports, is located minutes from FLL and drives massive aviation demand from cruise passengers beginning or ending voyages in Fort Lauderdale. Airlines and charter operators serving this market offer an enormous range of connections to cruise departure dates, creating year-round aviation traffic that stabilizes FLL's passenger volumes even outside peak leisure travel seasons. Aviation businesses serving cruise travelers — from shuttle services to private terminal handling — are a significant sector of Fort Lauderdale's airport economy.
Is international aviation well-served at FLL?
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport has expanded its international service significantly and now offers direct flights to numerous Caribbean islands, select European destinations, and Canadian cities. The airport is particularly strong for leisure international travel to the Caribbean and Central America. For the most comprehensive international coverage — particularly to South American and more distant European and Asian destinations — Miami International Airport remains the preferred choice. Travelers with specific international itineraries should compare both airports before booking.