โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Del Rio International Airport (KDRT) serves as a critical U.S.-Mexico border gateway located two miles northwest of Del Rio, Texas, in Val Verde County at 1,002 feet elevation on 268 acres. The airport operates with a single asphalt runway 13/31 measuring 6,300 by 100 feet, currently undergoing a 1,500-foot expansion that will extend total length to 7,800 feet to accommodate larger aircraft operations and enhanced border security requirements.
The modern terminal building features counter space for two airlines, a large post-security waiting area with restrooms and vending services, plus one baggage carousel serving the facility's role as a designated port of entry with U.S. Customs and Border Protection services manned from the Del Rio Port of Entry. The terminal provides two aircraft parking positions plus a third position exclusively for customs screening operations, supporting general aviation, international arrivals, and training flights from nearby Laughlin Air Force Base.
While commercial airline service ended in April 2023 when American Airlines' twice-daily SkyWest CRJ-700 operations ceased, the airport continues essential functions with approximately 15,357 annual aircraft operations (83% general aviation, 9% former airline, 8% air taxi). The facility maintains critical importance for cross-border aviation, emergency services, government operations, and general aviation serving the Rio Grande border region, providing essential customs and immigration clearance for international flights between the United States and Mexico.
๐ Connection Tips
Del Rio International Airport (DRT) is a vital border gateway in Val Verde County, Texas, serving the international community and the regional energy sector. For travelers connecting through DRT, the most important tip is to understand that regularly scheduled commercial airline service (formerly provided by American Airlines) ceased in April 2023. Consequently, the airport now functions primarily as a premier general aviation and charter node. For most visitors, the primary commercial 'connection' to the region is made by flying into San Antonio International Airport (SAT), located about 155 miles (approx. 2.5 hours) to the east, and completing the journey via rental car along US-90.
If you are flying privately into DRT, the airport remains an authorized U. S. Customs and Border Protection port of entry, though services must be coordinated in advance for international arrivals. The terminal is located just two miles from the Del Rio city center, but ground transportation requires advance coordination; there is no dedicated taxi rank or public transit service at the building. You must pre-arrange a pickup with a local taxi provider or coordinate a rental car delivery from an agency in town.
The terminal features a comfortable pilot's lounge with Wi-Fi and restrooms. Pilots should be mindful of the significant military training traffic from the nearby Laughlin Air Force Base and maintain close coordination with air traffic control. For those visiting the Amistad National Recreation Area or conducting business along the Rio Grande, DRT offers a professional and exceptionally low-traffic entry point.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Apalachicola Regional Airport (AAF), also known as Cleve Randolph Field, is a public-use facility that primarily serves the general aviation needs of Franklin County, Florida. The terminal experience here is centered around a well-maintained general aviation building that houses the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), Centric Aviation. Unlike commercial hubs, the atmosphere is quiet and professional, catering to private pilots, corporate travelers, and flight training operations. The terminal provides essential services such as a pilot lounge, a flight planning room, and basic administrative offices, all within a compact and easily navigable single-story structure.
The facility is designed for quick transitions from landside to airside, with a parking area located just steps away from the terminal entrance. Inside, visitors will find a clean and welcoming environment with comfortable seating and access to restrooms. While there are no sprawling retail concourses or food courts, the FBO staff are known for their hospitality, often providing complimentary coffee and assistance with ground logistics. The terminal also serves as a hub for local aviation events and military training exercises, reflecting the airport's diverse role in the regional aviation landscape of the Florida Panhandle.
For those arriving by private or charter aircraft, the terminal offers seamless access to the airfield's three concrete runways. There are no jet bridges; instead, passengers deplane directly onto the apron and walk a short distance to the FBO building. Security is managed through standard general aviation protocols rather than TSA checkpoints, allowing for a much faster arrival and departure process. Despite its simplicity, the terminal at AAF provides a high level of service for the general aviation community, offering a gateway to the historic city of Apalachicola and the pristine beaches of St. George Island.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Apalachicola Regional Airport is different from commercial transfers as the airport does not host scheduled airline services. All connections are between private, corporate, or charter flights. If you are planning a multi-leg journey through AAF, coordination with the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), Centric Aviation, is essential. They assist with aircraft staging, refueling with 100LL or Jet-A, and ensuring ground support equipment is ready. The airport operates without a control tower, so pilots must use the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) for local communication.
To transition from a private flight at AAF to a commercial airline, the nearest options are Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) or Tallahassee International Airport (TLH). Both are about an 80 to 90-minute drive from Apalachicola. Since there are no on-site rental car agencies with permanent counters, you must pre-arrange vehicle delivery or shuttle services. Many travelers find it convenient to use local taxi services or pre-arranged private transfers to reach these commercial hubs or destinations along the Forgotten Coast.
Ground logistics should be planned with the airport's operating hours in mind, as services are typically available from 08:00 to 19:00. If you require an after-hours arrival or departure, coordinate in advance with the FBO for terminal access and fuel. The rural area means ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are not reliably available, so a confirmed transport plan is crucial. Whether you are connecting to a fishing charter, a meeting, or a commercial flight elsewhere, AAF offers a low-stress environment provided that your ground and air logistics are meticulously pre-arranged.
โ Back to Del Rio International Airport