Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (OPF)
Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (OPF) is a major public-use general aviation airport located in Opa-locka in northern Miami-Dade County, Florida. Owned by Miami-Dade County and operated by the Miami-Dade Aviation Department, the airport serves private aircraft, corporate jets, business travelers, flight training operations, and other specialized aviation activities. Its location northwest of downtown Miami provides convenient access to South Florida’s commercial districts, entertainment venues, beaches, and surrounding communities.
Designated as a reliever airport for Miami International Airport, Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport helps accommodate general aviation traffic throughout the Greater Miami metropolitan area. The airport is particularly important to corporate aviation, international private flights, aircraft maintenance operations, and aviation-related businesses. Unlike major commercial airports, it does not provide regularly scheduled passenger airline service.
The airport’s history dates to 1927, when aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss established the Florida Aviation Camp on the property. During World War II, the site became an important naval aviation training facility, and it continued to serve military purposes during the Korean War and Cold War. Following its transfer to county control in the early 1960s, the airport developed into one of the nation’s busiest general aviation facilities. It was officially renamed Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport in 2014 and continues to accommodate both civilian aviation and U.S. Coast Guard operations.
Airport Facilities and Services
Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport offers extensive aviation infrastructure and services designed to accommodate aircraft ranging from small private planes to large corporate jets. Its three paved runways, fixed-base operators, maintenance facilities, and international arrival capabilities make it an important aviation center for South Florida.
- Runways: The airport has three paved runways: 9L/27R, measuring 8,002 feet; 12/30, measuring 6,800 feet; and 9R/27L, measuring approximately 4,306 feet. The longest runway accommodates a broad range of business and corporate aircraft.
- Fixed-Base Operators: Full-service aviation facilities provide aircraft fueling, ground handling, passenger accommodations, aircraft parking, and other services for private and corporate aviation customers.
- Fuel and Ramp Services: Aviation gasoline and Jet-A fuel are available through airport service providers, along with aircraft parking, hangar facilities, and ramp support.
- Aircraft Maintenance: The airport supports aircraft maintenance, inspections, avionics work, and other specialized aviation services through businesses operating on the property.
- U.S. Customs Services: On-site U.S. Customs and Border Protection services support qualifying international aircraft arrivals, subject to applicable procedures and advance notification requirements.
- Air Traffic Control: The airport operates with an FAA air traffic control tower and instrument approach capabilities. Pilots should consult current FAA publications and notices for operating procedures.
- U.S. Coast Guard Operations: The airport is home to U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Miami, supporting search-and-rescue missions, maritime safety, and other federal aviation operations.
Transportation and Access
Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport is located near several major highways and provides access to communities throughout northern Miami-Dade County and southern Broward County. Visitors arriving by private aircraft can arrange ground transportation to hotels, business centers, entertainment destinations, and nearby coastal areas.
- Rental Cars: Rental vehicle arrangements may be available through fixed-base operators or nearby rental agencies. Advance reservations are recommended.
- Rideshare and Taxi Services: Rideshare vehicles, taxis, and private car services operate throughout the surrounding metropolitan area. Pickup arrangements may vary depending on the airport facility used.
- Highway Access: Nearby connections to the Palmetto Expressway (State Road 826), Interstate 75, and other major roads provide access to Miami, Hialeah, Miami Gardens, and surrounding destinations.
- Parking: Vehicle parking and passenger pickup facilities are available through airport businesses and aviation terminals, with arrangements varying by operator.
Things to Do Nearby for Visitors
Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport provides access to some of South Florida’s best-known sporting venues, shopping districts, cultural attractions, and coastal destinations. Visitors can explore the historic architecture of Opa-locka, attend major events in Miami Gardens, or continue south toward downtown Miami and the Atlantic Ocean beaches.
- Opa-locka: The airport’s namesake community is known for its distinctive Moorish Revival architecture, originally inspired by Arabian Nights themes during the city’s development in the 1920s.
- Miami Gardens: A major northern Miami-Dade community offering sporting events, entertainment, dining, and access to the surrounding metropolitan area.
- Hard Rock Stadium: Home of the Miami Dolphins and a major venue for professional football, international soccer, concerts, and other large-scale events.
- Hialeah: One of Miami-Dade County’s largest cities, recognized for its Cuban-American cultural heritage, restaurants, shopping, and longstanding community traditions.
- Miami Lakes: A planned suburban community featuring landscaped neighborhoods, lakes, parks, and the shops and restaurants along Main Street.
- Downtown Miami: The region’s principal business and cultural center, featuring museums, waterfront parks, entertainment venues, and access to Biscayne Bay.
- Miami Beach: An internationally recognized coastal destination known for its Atlantic Ocean beaches, Art Deco architecture, hotels, restaurants, and nightlife.
Vicinity of Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport
Nearby Dining and Shopping
Visitors using Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport can reach a wide selection of restaurants, shopping centers, and commercial districts throughout northern Miami-Dade County. Dining options range from casual local establishments and Latin American restaurants to upscale destinations serving business travelers and visitors.
- Downtown Opa-locka: The surrounding community offers local restaurants, neighborhood businesses, and opportunities to explore the city’s distinctive historic architecture.
- Miami Lakes Main Street: A pedestrian-friendly shopping and dining district with restaurants, cafes, retail establishments, and community gathering spaces.
- Hialeah Shopping Districts: Hialeah offers extensive retail shopping, Cuban restaurants, bakeries, and other dining establishments reflecting the area’s cultural heritage.
- Miami Gardens: Commercial corridors near major highways and Hard Rock Stadium provide additional restaurants, shopping opportunities, and services for visitors.
Important Links (Suggest / Report)
Additional Details
- Airport Code: OPF / KOPF
- Airport Type: Public-use, general aviation and executive airport
- Location: 14201 NW 42nd Avenue, Opa-locka, FL 33054
- County: Miami-Dade County
- Ownership: Miami-Dade County
- Operator: Miami-Dade Aviation Department
- Runways: Three paved runways
- Longest Runway: 8,002 feet (9L/27R)
- Original Establishment: 1927
- Commercial Airline Service: No regularly scheduled passenger airline service
- International Arrivals: U.S. Customs and Border Protection services available subject to applicable requirements
