โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
45
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport features a modern terminal that opened in April 2011, designed by Reynolds, Smith & Hills and the Dewberry architecture firm, constructed by Turner Construction. The facility operates 13 boarding gates serving domestic flights, having expanded from its original nine-gate design to accommodate growing passenger traffic that reached 687,601 travelers in 2024, marking the airport as one of the Midwest's fastest-growing small-hub facilities.
The terminal's most significant enhancement came with the 2016 completion of the Ray Lahood International Arrivals Terminal, adding gates, TSA services, and a U.S. Customs Port of Entry facility that enables international charter and general aviation processing despite no scheduled international service. This expansion positioned Peoria to handle diverse aviation needs while maintaining efficient domestic operations through three airlines - Allegiant, American, and United - connecting to 13 destinations including new daily non-stop service to Denver launched in March 2025.
The airport's infrastructure supports remarkable passenger growth, with monthly records consistently broken including 80,836 passengers in July 2025 (26% year-over-year increase) and 70,672 in December 2025. Named Illinois Primary Airport of the Year for 2024 by the state's Division of Aeronautics, the facility balances operational efficiency with passenger amenities including restaurants, shops, business services, and free WiFi throughout the terminal. A $13.51 million grant for a replacement Air Traffic Control Tower represents ongoing infrastructure investment.
Peoria International serves central Illinois with a terminal designed for modern travel requirements, replacing facilities that predated TSA security protocols and ADA requirements. The airport's strategic location approximately 180 miles southwest of Chicago provides an alternative to congested metropolitan airports while offering comprehensive services including conference rooms for business travelers, comfortable waiting areas, and ground transportation options. The facility's continued growth trajectory reflects its success in capturing regional demand while maintaining operational efficiency through its single-terminal design.
๐ Connection Tips
General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA) is the primary gateway to central Illinois. Ground transport is well-supported; 'CityLink' Bus Routes 7 and 12 provide a direct public transit link between the terminal and downtown Peoria every hour. All major rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) have designated pickup areas outside arrivals.
Taxis are available curbside 24/7. A unique tip: the airport provides a free shuttle service to the nearby Ray LaHood International Center for those on business. Major car rental agencies have desks on-site, which is the highly recommended way to explore the regional manufacturing hubs (Caterpillar).
The terminal is modern and efficient, handling regular domestic flights to major hubs. Arrive 90 minutes early for domestic departures. Facilities include several cafes and free fast Wi-Fi throughout That makes PIA a very practical central-Illinois gateway, especially for travelers who want downtown Peoria or the riverfront without a major-hub transfer. A CityLink ride or rental car should already be chosen, because downtown Peoria is the part that matters when the airport is used for central Illinois business or the riverfront, not for a long search at the curb after landing and the shuttle or car is already lined up there now too.
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.
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