History of Jacksonville Airport

The history of Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is a fascinating tale that parallels the rapid development of aviation and the growth of Jacksonville as a key city in Florida.

From its early days as a small airfield to becoming a modern international gateway, JAX has undergone numerous transformations. This detailed guide will take you through the key milestones in the airport’s history, offering insights into how it has become the vital transportation hub it is today.

1. Early Aviation in Jacksonville: The Beginnings (1912–1940s)

1912: Robert Fowler’s Transcontinental Flight

Jacksonville’s connection to aviation began as early as 1912 when Robert Fowler, flying a 30 hp Wright Model B airplane, completed the first west-to-east transcontinental flight. Fowler chose Jacksonville as his destination, landing at the Moncrief Park Race Track on February 8, 1912. This marked Jacksonville’s introduction to the world of aviation, laying the foundation for future developments.

1922: Lt. James H. Doolittle’s Record-Breaking Flight

In 1922, Lt. James H. Doolittle made a record-breaking transcontinental flight, starting from Jacksonville Beach and landing in San Diego, California, 21 hours and 18 minutes later. This daring feat further highlighted Jacksonville’s importance in early aviation history.

1923: Paxon Field and Laurie Yonge’s Achievements

By the 1920s, local aviation enthusiasts, like Laurie Yonge, started operating flights from Jacksonville’s beaches. Paxon Field, a small grass strip on the city’s western outskirts, became Jacksonville’s first dedicated airfield. Yonge, one of Florida’s aviation pioneers, became known for offering airplane rides and setting world records, including a 25-hour endurance flight.

1927: Charles Lindbergh’s Visit

Jacksonville gained national attention in 1927 when Charles Lindbergh, the aviation hero of the time, visited the city in his famous “Spirit of St. Louis” to help promote the city’s fledgling aviation industry. Lindbergh’s visit underscored Jacksonville’s growing reputation in aviation.

1931: Jacksonville Municipal Airport Opens

By 1931, Jacksonville opened its first dedicated commercial airport, Jacksonville Municipal Airport, on North Main Street. The wooden terminal served the city for several decades, though early flights were limited and passenger travel was still in its infancy.

Airlines such as Eastern Air Transport (later Eastern Airlines) began offering regular service from this facility, marking the start of Jacksonville’s evolution as an aviation hub.

1940s: World War II and Military Airfields

During World War II, Jacksonville played a significant role in military aviation, with the U.S. Navy and Army Air Corps building six airfields in the region, including Craig Airport (CRG).

These airfields were vital for pilot training, and after the war, Craig and Herlong Airport (HEG) were handed over to the city for civilian use. Jacksonville’s military and commercial aviation sectors continued to grow side by side.

2. The Post-War Era and the Birth of JAX (1950s–1968)

1950s: Imeson Field and the Need for Expansion

Imeson Field, originally named Jacksonville Municipal Airport No. 1, served as the city’s primary airport after World War II.

However, by the 1950s, it became clear that the airport was too small to accommodate the growing number of passengers and the new jet-powered aircraft. Imeson’s short runways and aging infrastructure couldn’t keep up with Jacksonville’s rising demand for air travel.

1965: Planning for Jacksonville International Airport

In response to these limitations, Jacksonville’s city officials approved a $9 million bond issue in 1965 to build a new airport. The decision to construct Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) was driven by the need for a modern facility that could handle the latest aircraft and accommodate future growth. The location chosen, approximately 15 miles north of downtown Jacksonville, provided ample space for expansion.

1968: Opening of JAX and the Transfer to Jacksonville Port Authority

Jacksonville International Airport officially opened its doors on October 11, 1968, with a design featuring two main runways, jetways, and ample parking for travelers.

At the same time, the management of the city’s airports was transferred to the Jacksonville Port Authority (JPA), which also oversaw the city’s growing seaport operations. This consolidation allowed for greater coordination and set the stage for JAX to become a key player in the region’s economic growth.

3. Expansion and Growth: JAX in the Late 20th Century (1968–2000)

1982: JAX Reaches 2 Million Passengers

By 1982, JAX had reached the two million passenger mark, spurring further investment in terminal enhancements and runway expansions.

Major airlines such as Delta, American, and Eastern Airlines called JAX home, making it a major hub for domestic travel. The growing air cargo sector also began to flourish during this time, with companies like FedEx, UPS, and others establishing operations at the airport.

1989: Concorde Visits JAX

In 1989, JAX welcomed the supersonic Concorde SST, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s history. The visit of this iconic aircraft underscored Jacksonville’s growing stature in the aviation world. By the end of the decade, JAX was serving over 3 million passengers annually, and plans were underway for further terminal expansions.

1990: New Terminal and Runway Expansions

In 1990, JAX opened a new $100 million terminal that featured 12 additional gates, a multi-level parking garage, and a two-level roadway system.

These improvements enabled the airport to handle the increasing passenger traffic, which reached nearly 3 million annually by the end of the year. The expansion also included upgrades to the airport’s runway infrastructure to accommodate the next generation of aircraft, including the Boeing 767.

4. The 21st Century: JAX as a Modern Aviation Hub (2000–Present)

2000s: Terminal Upgrades and Passenger Growth

By the early 2000s, JAX was the fastest-growing airport in Florida, handling over 100 departures and arrivals daily.

In 2000, the airport launched an ambitious expansion program, which included building a new 2,400-space parking garage and upgrading the terminal’s ticketing, baggage, and concession areas. These enhancements ensured that JAX remained competitive as more airlines expanded their routes to and from Jacksonville.

2001: Separation of Airport and Seaport Authorities

In 2001, the Florida State Legislature restructured the Jacksonville Port Authority, creating two independent entities: the Jacksonville Airport Authority and the Jacksonville Seaport Authority. This change allowed for a more focused approach to managing JAX and ensuring the continued development of its aviation infrastructure.

2000s: Expansion and Modernization

By the early 2000s, Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) was undergoing rapid growth. The airport embarked on a multi-phase expansion plan that included the construction of a new 2,400-space parking garage, updated ticketing and baggage claim areas, and expanded concessions.

These upgrades were crucial in handling the airport’s growing passenger numbers, which exceeded 4.5 million annually by the end of the decade. JAX became the fastest-growing airport in Florida during this period, accommodating more than 100 departures and arrivals daily and serving 16 airlines.

The introduction of the Airport Ambassador Program during this time further enhanced customer service, marking a shift towards a more traveler-friendly experience.

Post-9/11 Adjustments and Cargo Growth

In the wake of the September 11 attacks, JAX, like other airports across the U.S., underwent significant changes to security protocols. In 2001, the Florida State Legislature restructured the Jacksonville Port Authority into two separate entities, with the newly formed Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) overseeing JAX.

Despite these challenges, the airport continued to grow, particularly in air cargo operations. By 2005, cargo operations accounted for millions of pounds of freight annually, as major carriers such as FedEx and UPS expanded their presence at the airport.

2010s: Infrastructure and Customer Experience Enhancements

The 2010s saw JAX focus on enhancing passenger experience and expanding its reach. In 2013, the airport completed a $30 million terminal improvement project, which included revamped concourses, additional security lanes, and new food and beverage options.

A key milestone during this decade was JAX’s introduction of Air Canada’s direct flights to Toronto, marking the beginning of consistent international service. Furthermore, JAX continued to strengthen its role as a logistics hub, supporting regional growth in shipping and transportation.

2020s: Recovery and Future Growth

The 2020s began with significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like airports globally, JAX saw a sharp decline in passenger traffic, but recovery was swift as domestic travel rebounded.

By 2022, JAX had exceeded pre-pandemic passenger levels, thanks to the addition of new routes and airline partnerships. In 2024, JAX continues to focus on sustainability, with future expansion plans that include the construction of new runways and terminal facilities to accommodate increasing demand for both passenger and cargo services.

With over 7 million passengers expected annually and plans for further development, JAX remains a crucial gateway for Northeast Florida, blending state-of-the-art infrastructure with a focus on enhancing traveler experience.