Flying to the End of the Road: Key West International Airport
Key West International Airport (EYW) is one of America's most geographically dramatic commercial airports — a 4,800-foot runway situated just miles from the southernmost point of the continental United States, surrounded entirely by water on three sides. EYW handles over 1 million passengers annually with service from American Airlines, Delta, United, Silver Airways, and Cape Air, connecting Key West directly to Miami (MIA), Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), New York (JFK), and other major hubs. The airport's runway length limits jet operations to smaller regional aircraft like the Embraer 175 and CRJ-900, though American Airlines' Airbus A319s operate the route during peak demand. For private pilots, Key West also offers a thriving FBO scene, with the airport serving as the southernmost refueling stop before the Bahamas and Cuba flight route corridors.
Flying into Key West demands careful preparation. The runway (KRYW) runs nearly parallel to the Atlantic shoreline, with approach paths over water on both ends. Crosswind landings are common given the island's exposed position in the Florida Straits. Military airspace associated with NAS Key West (KNQX) — home to advanced Navy fighter training — directly borders the civil airport, and pilots must monitor the active MOAs and restricted areas that regularly generate NOTAMs. Hurricane evacuation procedures have high importance here: EYW typically suspends operations 24–48 hours before a storm's projected landfall, and post-hurricane reopening can be delayed by runway debris and infrastructure damage unique to the island environment.
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 Key West, Florida. Key West International Airport - EYW is one of the busiest international airports in the Monroe County and in the state of Florida.
Key West International Airport - Eyw
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 Key West, 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 Key West, 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 Key West, Florida.
Local Airports
There are 1 Local Airport in Key West, Florida.
Chalks Key West Seaplane Airport
Airports near Key West
Frequently Asked Questions: Airports Near Key West, Florida
What airlines fly direct to Key West International Airport (EYW)?
Key West International (EYW) receives direct service from American Airlines (Miami, Charlotte, Dallas), Delta (Atlanta), United (Newark, Chicago, Washington Dulles), and regional carrier Silver Airways (Miami, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale). Cape Air operates turboprop flights connecting EYW to Naples, Fort Myers, and Marathon. During winter peak season, additional seasonal routes from northeastern cities are added by major carriers.
Is there a military airport at Key West separate from the civilian airport?
Yes. Naval Air Station Key West (KNQX) operates entirely separately from Key West International Airport (EYW) and is one of the US Navy's premier tactical jet training bases. NAS Key West's airspace hosts advanced fighter training operations that affect VFR flight routing throughout Monroe County. Civilian pilots operating near Key West must carefully review NOTAMs for active restricted areas and MOA activity generated by NAS Key West flight operations.
How does hurricane season affect air travel to Key West?
Key West's island geography makes it one of Florida's most hurricane-vulnerable aviation hubs. Monroe County emergency management coordinates mandatory evacuation orders that drive significant travel demand 48–72 hours before a storm, creating capacity crunches at EYW and on southbound Overseas Highway routes. Post-storm reopening timelines can extend 3–10 days depending on runway integrity and fueling infrastructure status on the island.