Many South Walton residents and aviation enthusiasts are unaware of the existence of the Defuniak Springs Airport, located just 30 minutes north of the 331 bridge. This hidden gem offers an attractive alternative to the Destin Executive Airport, especially during the congested summer months. With the 331 bridge and highway expansion scheduled for completion in early 2017, the ride from the Defuniak Springs Airport to South Walton will be smooth sailing!
The Airport is owned and managed by the City of Defuniak Springs, and is situated along Hwy 90 East, two miles west of the city center and three miles from the I-10 Interchange off 331.
The 9/27 (east to west) runway is 4,146 ft. and equipped with a Two RNAV GPS instrument approaches and an Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS). The airport handles most twin engine aircraft up to a light twin jet, similar to a Cessna Citation.
Airport Director Ryan Adams is overseeing plans to expand runway 9/27 to 5,000 feet, which will allow the airport to handle small to medium sized Business Executive Jets and charter operations as well.
Adams notes, “We have a lot of people traveling to and from Walton County, but they’re having to land and park their personal or corporate aircrafts at airports in neighboring counties. That’s a loss for Walton county’s businesses in terms of restaurant tickets, hotel bookings, shopping and a lot more. For the majority of visitors traveling to Walton County by way of general aviation, DeFuniak Springs can offer the same airport services and amenities as Destin and usually at a better price.”
In 2019, construction will begin on a new state-of-the-art multi-use airport and terminal facility that Adams says will be “the lynchpin” of economic development throughout Walton County; from the airport to the beaches. “We are already equipped with a 300 acre industrial park within the airport and we have parcels that are project-ready located minutes away from Interstate 10 with runway access. We envision the development of the terminal to include conference rooms, and office and retail space. The design is for business people to make their industrial home right here at the airport or along 331 and their vacation home in South Walton”, Adams says with a smile, “We’ve got it all.”
For today’s general aviation traveler, Adams notes Defuniak Springs Airport boasts some of the best gas prices in the Southeast, attracting aviators from Texas to South Florida. In addition, hangar space ranging between 1,000 sq. ft to 5,000 sq. ft is available, beginning at under $300 per month. For South Walton residents and vacationers, the DeFuniak Springs Airport is worth a look. For more information call Airport Director Ryan Adams at 850-892-2000 or visit flydefuniaksprings.com.
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