Opa-Locka Executive Airport is the Gateway to Miami's Aviation Hub
Introduction
Eleven miles to the north of Miami proper, Opa-Locka Executive Airport (OPF) is a bustling general aviation and business airport. Opened in May 1941, it is a joint civil-military airport previously known as Opa-locka Airport and Opa-Locka Executive Airport until its name was changed in August 2014. OPF is functioning as a critical reliever airport for general aviation in the National Plan of Integrated Airport System (NPIAS) to provide additional capacity and relieve congestion at Miami International.
Airlines and Destinations
OPF is not used for scheduled commercial passenger flights — it is home to several cargo and charter airlines that take advantage of the airport's U.S. customs facility. The airport is also known for FlyHigh, one of its fixed-base operators (FBOs) offering aircraft maintenance and modification up to Boeing 747 size.
Number of Passengers Handled and Aircraft Movement
OPF, which serves commercial passenger flights alongside general and business aviation, does not process a large volume of relevant airport operations. While this traffic is nowhere close to bringing the number of those normal passengers back, private and corporate flights along with military movement are keeping a steady pace at OPF since an FAA-contract control tower maintains its operation from 7:00 AM daily until after 11:00 PM.
How to Get Here
Opa-Locka Executive Airport is in a good location, only 6 miles north of Miami International (MIA) and less than 5 nm south from North Perry (PMP). By Ground, the airport is accessible by road and the main entrance address is 14201 NW LeJeune Road, Opa-Locka, FL 33054.
Parking
There will be plenty of car parking within OPF, and much space for aircraft operators. The airport is also home to a number of specifically marked parking sites for aircraft and personal motor vehicles. Guests are directed to signage and directions from airport personnel for convenient parking options.
Transportation Prices
OPF, being a general aviation airport, does not have a central transportation system like the ones in bigger commercial airports. As there is no shuttle, visitors and aircraft operators need to make their own ground transportation arrangements such as taking a taxi or rideshare service or booking a rental car from the airport. Cost varies by service provider and the distance travelled.
Terminal Layout
Since it is a focused center point for general and business flights, Opa-Locka Executive Airport does not have the standard configuration of a passenger terminal. The airport is really just a bunch of facilities dedicated to the support of private, corporate, and military aircraft operations; there are several FBOs (fixed-base operators) on site along with numerous other groups providing everything from fueling services to food.
Navigate the Airport
OPF is easy to navigate, as the airport has been designed to facilitate general aviation and business flying. There are signs, as well as plenty of airport staff members, to help give directions between the different facilities available for general aviation.
Getting Between Terminals
Since there is not a typical terminal structure at OPF, you do not have to move between different terminals. The airport is sprawling and requires guests to use ground travel resources (individual vehicles or air terminal transport) between FBOs and service centers.
Services and Amenities
Opa-Locka Executive offers numerous amenities to facilitate its general and business aviation operations. These include fueling stations, maintenance and repair facilities, places to store or keep your aircraft in hangars, and all sorts of FBO services. It is also the site of the Miami Coast Guard air station, which operates fixed-wing and rotary aircraft from its facility at OPF.
Restaurants and Shops
OPF does not have a typical airport terminal with retail or dining options, but there are some restaurants and shops in the Opa-Locka area within close proximity to the airport. Guests can enjoy a range of dining and shopping experiences suited to anyone.
Security and Customs
OPF is a joint civil-military airport complex with established security for all flight operations. The airport has a U.S. customs facility for the arrival and departure of international flights. Those resources help the airport to predict fluctuations in traffic by knowing even if demand calls for an ahead of schedule opening (prior arrangements must be made). Visitors who are likely to be aircraft operators should also need to know where security runs its protocol and customs.
Accessibility
Opa-Locka Executive Airport, a general aviation facility, is accessible for people with disabilities. It is a completely open airport with all the necessary facilities and infrastructure available to assist visitors as required.
Travel Tips
Plan and prepare for a visit to Opa-Locka Executive Airport by studying the airport layout, services available on the field, and procedures. Additionally, visitors should bear in mind that these airports are nearby Miami International Airport (MIA) and North Perry Airport (HWO); allow for time to travel over land between the different facilities if looking to split flights among them.