Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport
Panama City Beach, United States
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport
Florida's Emerald Coast gateway serving Panama City Beach.
- ›ECP replaced the former Panama City–Bay County International Airport, which closed when ECP opened in 2010.
- ›The airport was partially funded through a public-private partnership, an uncommon financing model for U.S. airports.
- ›It is situated in West Bay, several miles from downtown Panama City and Panama City Beach.
- ›The 10,000-foot runway can accommodate wide-body aircraft, supporting potential international and charter operations.
- ›ECP is one of the few major commercial airports in the U.S. to have been built and opened in the 21st century.
Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) opened in 2010 as one of the few entirely new commercial airports built in the United States in recent decades, replacing the older Panama City Bay County Airport. Situated in Bay County near Panama City Beach, it serves as the primary air gateway to Florida's Emerald Coast, a stretch of coastline renowned for sugar-white beaches and turquoise Gulf waters. The airport handles a mix of leisure and seasonal traffic, with airlines offering direct connections to major hubs across the eastern and central United States.
- Main Terminal — A single modern terminal building housing all check-in, security, gates, dining, and retail facilities under one roof.
- Rental car agencies located on-site in the terminal
- Taxi and rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) available at the ground transportation curb
- Shuttle services offered by select hotels and resorts in Panama City Beach
- Private car and limousine hire available through local operators
- Marriott Panama City Beach Resort
- Hampton Inn & Suites Panama City Beach
- Sheraton Bay Point Resort
- Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Panama City Beach
Inside the terminal, travelers will find a modest selection of cafes, grab-and-go options, and a bar serving regional flavors alongside standard airport fare. The airport's proximity to Panama City Beach means that a short drive unlocks a wide range of Gulf-front seafood restaurants, casual beach bars, and local eateries. Visitors are encouraged to explore Front Beach Road and Pier Park for a broader dining experience after arriving.
- Book rental cars well in advance during spring break and summer, as demand far outpaces supply at this leisure-focused airport.
- The airport is roughly 20–25 minutes by car from the heart of Panama City Beach — factor this into arrival and departure timing.
- TSA PreCheck lanes are available but can be limited during peak travel seasons, so arrive at least 90 minutes before departure.
- Parking is straightforward with surface lots directly adjacent to the terminal, and rates are reasonable compared to larger hub airports.
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Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is a public airport 18 miles (29 km) northwest of Panama City, Florida, United States, in Bay County. The airport is owned by the Panama City-Bay County Airport & Industrial District, and is north of Panama City Beach, near West Bay. It replaced Panama City–Bay County International Airport, which was located in Panama City.
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