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Cecil Airport is a former U.S. Navy naval air station (NAS Cecil Field) that closed in 1999 under the Base Realignment and Closure process and was redeveloped into a civilian industrial and general aviation airport. Located about 12 miles west of downtown Jacksonville, it is operated by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority and hosts the Cecil Field Spaceport, one of Florida's licensed horizontal-launch spaceports. The airport serves corporate, cargo, and aerospace operations across its large land footprint.
💡 Local Tip
If you have time before or after a flight, visit the Cecil Field Veterans Memorial Plaza near the entrance — it honors the Navy personnel who served at NAS Cecil Field and offers a quiet, reflective stop that most travelers overlook.
🚖 Getting There
Cecil Airport is best reached by car, located off Interstate 10 (exit 350) and U.S. Highway 90 in western Jacksonville. No direct public transit serves the facility, so renting a car or arranging a rideshare is recommended for visitors. Allow roughly 25–30 minutes of driving time to reach downtown Jacksonville or Jacksonville International Airport.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was Cecil Airport before it became a civilian airport?
A: It was NAS Cecil Field, a U.S. Navy master jet base that operated from 1941 until 1999, hosting Atlantic Fleet attack squadrons.
Q: Does Cecil Airport handle commercial passenger flights?
A: No, VQQ is primarily used for general aviation, corporate jets, cargo, and aerospace/industrial activity rather than scheduled airline service.
Q: Is there a spaceport at Cecil Airport?
A: Yes, the Cecil Field Spaceport is licensed by the FAA and Florida for horizontal-launch spacecraft operations, making it part of Florida's growing commercial space industry.
Q: Who manages Cecil Airport?
A: The Jacksonville Aviation Authority operates the airport as part of its broader Jacksonville airport system.
AI-generated content · Generated Jun 26, 2026 · MiniMax-M3