Southwest Airlines announced plans for direct flights to Panama City Beach's new Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport from four major markets!. The added service will open up the destination to visitors throughout the Midwest, Northeast, and Southwest regions of the United States. Further information on destinations and flight times will be released in December 09. Read Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau's press release on the announcement of Southwest Airlines.

The state-of-the-art airport is being designed with multiple eco-conscious features and will be developed in conjunction with a massive nature preserve that will feature Florida’s largest expanse of undeveloped coastline and showcase the region’s phenomenal natural beauty. The airport will also offer a 10,000 foot runway, the only one of this length in Northwest Florida. The length of the runway is designed to allow larger jets and commercial aircraft of any size to be able to land more easily.

Delta Airlines also serves Panama City Beach with direct flights from Atlanta and Memphis.

 Real.Fun.Facts:

• Cost of construction $318 million
• $0 local tax dollars used
  

Airport Facilities

• 4,000 total acres
  
• 10,000 ft. runway
  
• 120,000 sq. ft Terminal
  
• 1,400 acres for commercial/industrial development
  

Airport Accolades

• 1^st International airport built in the United States since Sept. 11, 2001
  
• State of the art TSA baggage claim system 
• Air, Land & Sea. United. Facts & Stats
  

Media Alerts:

• THE Beach/Costal 3000 Press Release
• Panama City News Herald
• Southwest Airlines Blog 
• PCB CVB Press Release