Naples Airport focuses on private flights amid historical changes

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Naples Airport focuses on private flights amid historical changes

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By Sky Industry News

Jan 13, 2025

Naples Airport, located near the city of Naples in Collier County, Florida, primarily serves private flights and does not host commercial airlines. Historically, the airport saw a peak in commercial operations during the 1990s with multiple airlines offering scheduled services. However, it now operates under a strict weight limit for aircraft and observes a voluntary flight curfew.

Florida hosts several major commercial airports including Miami International Airport (MIA), Orlando International Airport (MCO), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Tampa International Airport (TPA), and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) at Fort Myers. Alongside these, there are airports dedicated to general aviation and private flights, among which Naples Airport is significant.

Originally established as Naples Army Airfield in 1942 for military purposes, ownership was transferred to the city of Naples and Collier County in 1947. Over time, its role as a base for scheduled passenger service diminished with the opening of Southwest Florida International Airport nearby.

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Several airlines operated from Naples in its commercial heyday. Provincetown-Boston Airlines began scheduled services to Miami in the 1950s and 1960s and managed the airport until 1969. By 1995, seven commercial airlines operated there. Notable operators included American Eagle, US Airways Express, Delta Connection, and Elite Airways; however, all have since ceased operations at Naples.

Renamed from Naples Municipal Airport to simply Naples Airport in 2018, it remains an important hub for private flights due to its proximity to downtown Naples and major highways. The airport offers exclusive facilities through its General Aviation Terminal which houses an FBO operated by Naples Aviation.

The FBO brands itself as “Your Naples Airport FBO,” aiming "to exceed your expectations by taking care of every detail of your trip." Services include flight planning assistance and various amenities for passengers and crew.

Despite its central location near downtown Naples causing operational limitations such as noise restrictions and weight limits on aircraft—set at a maximum gross weight of 75,000 lbs—the airport still accommodates larger jets like Bombardier Global models by adhering to these constraints.

Naples Airport also supports general aviation activities including personal flights and flight training through organizations such as the Naples Air Center, Rex Air, and the Naples Flying Club. Other aviation-related services based at the airport include those provided by the Coast Guard and Collier County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit.

There has been speculation about restarting commercial operations with interest from JetBlue using Embraer ERJ-190 aircraft; however, noise concerns along with existing restrictions have stalled these discussions for now.