Facts:
The Naples Municipal Airport (APF) is one of the first things a tourist comes into contact with when visiting southwest Florida and plays a vital role in the daily life of the region. It has two asphalt paved runways: 5/23 measuring 6,600 by 150 feet (2,012 x 46 m) and 14/32 measuring 5,000 by 100 ft (1,524 x 30 m). The airport also prides itself for being a really quiet airport which is a bit unusual but interesting to say the least. They did this by disallowing Stage 1 and Stage 2 aircrafts that weigh under 34,000kgs. This makes sure that the residents, tourists as well as the protected animals in the nearby area experience as little noise as possible. However, in the event of an emergency like a hurricane rescue mission, government aircrafts are usually given exemptions to this rule. This, plus their helpful services in the airport make them a model airport for the rest of the country.
History:
Established in 1942, the airport used to be a US military airbase and was not open to the public. Back then, it was called the Naples Army Airfield and was run by the United States Army Air Forces. During its time in the hands of the air force the airport provided basic training to flight cadets who would later on serve in the war efforts. After the Second World War, in 1945, the place was turned over to the War Assets Administration to be prepared for public use. And indeed, two years later, in 1947, the airport authority was given to the city of Naples and Collier County since the military had no more use for it. The airport had seen its ups and downs throughout the decades since in terms of passenger traffic but if ever you’re wondering why its abbreviation is APF, it is because it stands for “Alternate Page Field” which is a reference to the Page Field or otherwise known as the Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers.
Tips:
- The Naples Municipal Airport is a perfect place to land your private jet and other small aircraft because the airport encourages the presence of these types of planes in the airport.
- People in Naples, Florida value silence and decency so consider the unnecessary noise you might me making while you’re here.
- Another major airport that’s close to The Naples Municipal Airport is the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, Florida.
- There are car rental enterprises that you can contact that can fetch you from the municipal airport
- While there are major commercial airlines that use APF, you will only see light aircraft from these airlines. Most air traffic from this airport comes from private jets that take off every two minutes.
- The Naples Municipal Airport is a relatively small airport so navigation by foot is rather quick and easy.
- The Naples Municipal Airport is right in the city of Naples itself, so this means hotels are near the area so getting there is very easy.
