Introduction
Miami–Opa-locka Executive Airport (OPF) is the main hub for business and private aviation in South Florida. Located just north of downtown Miami, in Miami-Dade County, it serves corporate travelers, government flights, and leisure passengers seeking fast access to the city, the beaches, and the Caribbean.
Unlike Miami International Airport, which handles commercial airlines, Opa-locka Executive is entirely devoted to private operations. The airport provides complete privacy, short ground times, and 24/7 access for domestic and international missions.
Location and ground access
Opa-locka Executive Airport is 11 miles north of downtown Miami and 17 miles south of Fort Lauderdale. It is directly connected to Interstate 95, the Palmetto Expressway (826), and Gratigny Parkway (924), allowing easy transfers to Brickell, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, and Doral.
Chauffeured cars, VTCs, and limousines have ramp-side access at each FBO entrance. Travel time to central Miami averages 20 minutes, while helicopter links to the Miami Seaplane Base or South Beach Helipad take under 8 minutes.
The airport’s location between Miami and Fort Lauderdale makes it a convenient option for passengers staying in either city, avoiding congestion at MIA and FLL.
Facilities and FBO operations
Opa-locka Executive hosts several full-service FBOs that manage all phases of private flight: arrival, fueling, passenger lounge, and crew services. Each FBO offers private lounges, VIP concierge service, customs support, and hangar space for jets of all sizes.
Fontainebleau Aviation — the flagship private terminal in Miami, featuring luxury lounges, private offices, custom dining, and crew suites.
Signature Flight Support (OPF) — dedicated to international arrivals with on-site U.S. Customs and Border Protection services and overnight maintenance.
Atlantic Aviation (OPF) — 24-hour operations, ground handling, and full line service support.
Each operator coordinates directly with ATC and Miami-Dade Aviation for ramp efficiency and slot management. For official airport information, see Miami-Dade Aviation Department’s Opa-locka Executive page.
Hangars accommodate everything from light jets to long-range aircraft such as Falcon 8X or Gulfstream G650. Each FBO provides fuel (Jet-A with Prist), GPU, lavatory service, de-icing when required, and on-demand catering.
Aircraft categories and capabilities
Opa-locka can handle the entire business aviation fleet:
Very Light Jets (Citation Mustang, Phenom 100) — regional flights within Florida or the Bahamas.
Light Jets (CJ3+, Learjet 45) — routes to Tampa, Nassau, and Atlanta.
Midsize Jets (Citation XLS, Hawker 900XP) — domestic missions to New York, Chicago, or Dallas.
Super Midsize (Challenger 350, Praetor 600) — long flights to Los Angeles or Mexico City.
Heavy Jets (Falcon 7X, Global 6000, Gulfstream G600) — intercontinental routes to London, Paris, or São Paulo.
Three runways allow simultaneous operations: the main Runway 09L/27R measures 8,002 ft (2,439 m), sufficient for fully loaded long-range jets.
Procedures and flight planning
Operations at Opa-locka follow FAA Part 91 and Part 135 standards. Flight plans are filed via FAA Flight Service, and clearance is issued through Clearance Delivery 121.65 MHz.
Instrument approaches include ILS and RNAV for runways 09L/27R and 09R/27L, ensuring reliable landings under all conditions.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection operates on site for international arrivals with prior coordination.
Average boarding time from arrival to take-off is 15–20 minutes, with ramp access direct from the FBO lounge.
To plan your next business or leisure trip, you can book a private jet from Miami Opa-locka Executive.
Passenger experience and services
Passengers using Opa-locka benefit from luxury facilities comparable to those of a five-star hotel. Lounge amenities include Wi-Fi, showers, private meeting rooms, and custom catering. Transfers to downtown Miami or South Beach are organized directly by the FBO team, with vehicles brought to the aircraft door.
Catering is sourced from renowned local restaurants and hotel partners, providing fresh menus for both domestic and international flights.
Passengers arriving at Opa-locka can seamlessly combine business and leisure, thanks to Miami’s proximity to exclusive resorts, yachting clubs, and marinas.
Crew facilities
Each FBO provides dedicated crew lounges, briefing rooms, and maintenance support. Hotels in North Miami and Aventura offer crew rates with shuttle service. Crew rooms include showers, Wi-Fi, and 24-hour refreshments. Fuel and handling charges are processed through JetNet, Avcard, and UAS systems.
Maintenance teams on site assist with pre-departure inspections and minor repairs to ensure rapid turnaround between flights.
Common routes and flight durations
Nassau — 40 min
Key West — 50 min
Orlando — 1 h 05
New York (TEB) — 2 h 45
Dallas (DAL) — 2 h 30
Los Angeles (VNY) — 4 h 50
San Juan (SJU) — 2 h 30
Cancún — 1 h 45
The airport also serves charters to the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Central America, often used for weekend getaways and yacht transfers.
Airport data and operations
Elevation: 8 ft (2 m) MSL
Runways: 09L/27R (8,002 ft), 09R/27L (5,700 ft), 12/30 (5,200 ft)
ATC: Tower 120.9 MHz / Ground 121.7 MHz / ATIS 119.45 MHz
ARFF: Category 7 with 24-hour coverage
Maintenance: Fontainebleau Maintenance, Signature Technics, Atlantic Aviation
Fuel: Jet-A and Avgas available 24/7
Customs: On-site U.S. CBP facility by appointment
Opa-locka functions under the Miami-Dade Aviation Department and is staffed with FAA ATC controllers around the clock.
Regulations and noise management
The airport follows FAA and EPA environmental guidelines to limit noise impact on adjacent residential areas. Departure procedures include reduced-thrust profiles and specified turns to minimize community noise.
Stage 3 and Stage 4 jets operate freely under the Port Authority’s approved Noise Compatibility Program. Winter de-icing and glycol recovery systems maintain environmental standards during seasonal operations.
Environmental initiatives
Opa-locka Executive participates in the Airport Carbon Accreditation program (Level 2: Reduction). Fontainebleau and Signature FBOs offer Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to reduce CO₂ emissions.
Electric ground vehicles, LED lighting, and water-treatment systems are part of the airport’s green strategy. Local authorities promote the use of bio-fuel blends and energy-efficient equipment for handling operations.
Business and tourism advantages
Landing at Opa-locka offers unique benefits for travelers to South Florida. For business passengers, the airport is minutes from the financial district of Brickell and major convention centers like the Miami Beach Convention Center and the World Trade Center Miami.
For leisure travelers, it is the perfect entry point to Miami’s exclusive lifestyle — art galleries in Wynwood, shopping at the Design District, restaurants in Coconut Grove, and the nightlife of South Beach.
Within a few minutes of landing, visitors can reach luxury resorts, marinas for yacht charters, or golf courses such as Turnberry and Crandon Park. Helicopter transfers also connect directly to Key Largo and the Bahamas.
Opa-locka’s location between Miami and Fort Lauderdale allows guests to enjoy both cities in a single stay — business in Brickell by day, relaxation in Palm Beach or Hollywood by night.
Traffic and economic role
Handling more than 60,000 business aviation movements per year, Opa-locka is a pillar of South Florida’s economy. It supports charter companies, maintenance providers, and training organizations based on site.
Its proximity to the Port of Miami and major corporate zones helps local and international businesses coordinate meetings and cargo operations with minimal delay.
The airport’s infrastructure and 24/7 availability make it a strategic base for relief flights, medical missions, and government deployments during hurricane season.
Conclusion
Miami–Opa-locka Executive combines accessibility, premium services, and operational efficiency. Its strategic location and modern infrastructure make it the preferred choice for business and private aviation in Florida.
Landing at Opa-locka offers a seamless connection to the best of Miami — vibrant business, luxury leisure, and world-class hospitality.
Every mission is prepared with the same standards of speed, comfort, and safety, reflecting the dynamic spirit of South Florida.
