VERO BEACH — Vero Beach Regional Airport is the third-busiest general-aviation in Florida, according to the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics and the Federal Aviation Administration.
The ranking, published earlier this year, is based on the total number of takeoffs and landings in a year.
Air traffic in Vero Beach increased nearly 79% — by more than 100,000 flights — between 2022 and 2024, according to the federal agency.
In 2024, 265,405 flights took off and landed at Vero Beach; it saw 207,536 flights in 2023; and 148,511 flights in 2022.
Among the state’s busiest general-aviation airports, Vero Beach Regional trailed only Miami Executive Airport — 314,026 flights — and North Perry Airport in Pembroke Pines — 317,069 flights — in 2024.
A general-aviation airport typically provides non-commercial services. Of Florida’s top five airports, only Vero Beach offers commercial service, provided by Breeze Airways.
“The city is becoming increasingly popular with people who fly,” explained Airport Director Todd Scher. “A majority (of flights) are from the two flight schools — Skyborne and Paris Air, whereas private planes and charters round out the bulk of our flights.”
Breeze accounts for only 0.6% of flights into and out of the airport, according to Scher.
“We’re happy with how we fit into the fabric of Vero Beach Regional Airport,” said Breeze Airways spokesman Ryne Williams. “Despite the large number of flights, we see Vero Beach as an underserved commercial market. We offer convenience for those who may not have the ability to fly their own planes.”
The fourth- and fifth-busiest general-aviation airports statewide in 2024, respectively, were Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport at 193,398 flights and New Smyrna Beach Airport with 184,047 flights, according to federal statistics.
On the Treasure Coast, Witham Field in Stuart recorded 123,635 flights in 2024 and Treasure Coast International Airport north of Fort Pierce saw 139,953, according to the FAA.
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Even more flights
A Breeze Airways jet is pushed toward the runway Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, at Vero Beach Regional Airport in Florida.
The airport is in a position to handle even more flights, according to Scher.
“We can feasibly see the same growth, and be in a good position,” he explained. “We are ready, willing and able.”
The number of Breeze flights, however, is unlikely to increase for now. Its service will remain at an average of five flights per day until it increases its safety coverage, including providing another rescue/firefighting vehicle, said Scher.
However, Scher and airport staff are happy with the current state of the airport.
“For a small-town airport, we’re doing great, and the rankings show that,” said Scher. “Watching all the planes take off and land here, and admiring where we’ve come from, is a fantastic.”
Nick Slater is TCPalm’s Indian River County Watchdog reporter. You can reach him at Nick.Slater@tcpalm.com and 224-830-2875.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Vero Beach Airport third busiest in by flight total
