It seems like you can fly anywhere in Florida, but we've been proven wrong today.
Even though Florida's Gulf Coast has 5 commercial airports in operation, apparently the new southern saying is “a sixth time's the charm”.
With potential to reopen for public use for the first time in a quarter-century, car rentals may no longer be needed from Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers and such as you can fly right in and Uber to your stay in this popular beach town known for its sprawling white-sand coastline, upscale shopping, and yes, clogged pickleball courts from busy-body retirees.
Slated for a winter launch, the ideal time to soak up Florida's ever-present sunshine, travelers may be able to make history by landing in Naples (APF) for a sunny vacay amongst some of the state's most sought-after beaches.
Make sure you double check travel alerts and tourist fees before your trip.
American Airlines Plans New Life For Naples
There's no denying Naples is a popular vacation spot and a retirement haven. The problem is it's a long Uber from the closest airport in Fort Myers, which is already small, and making Naples more of a hassle to reach the further north you go, all the way to Tampa.
Southwest Florida could soon have 6 commercially operated airports:
- Tampa (TPA)
- St. Petersburg (PIE)
- Punta Gorda (PGD)
- Sarasota (SRQ)
- Fort Myers (RSW)
- Naples (APF)
You can thank American Airlines for its plans to revive the once commercial Naples Airport that succumbed to private aviation back in the early 2000s.
AA seems to have a knack for finding new airports, causing a ruckus in my neck of the woods over the legality of such flights in Carlsbad, California as it's also anchoring little-used McClellan-Palomar Airport.
But today, we're focusing on the Gulf Coast, specifically Naples.
If American has its way, December 2, 2026 is set to be the biggest day for Naples' tourism in quite some time.
Last served by American in 2001, Delta in 2007, and a brief, barely-known Elite Airways stint in between before it joined Spirit in the airline graveyard — APF will return to the commercial-airline business this winter.
The lucky winner would be one of America's largest hubs, Charlotte (CLT), for the initial launch, making Naples even more connected than it's been in what feels like forever.
This potential new route is considered to be a test run, but if it's anything like aforementioned Carlsbad, it'll start off with one and more will soon follow.
Why Naples Is Worth Venturing Beyond The 5 Other Airports
Sure, Southwest Florida already has plenty of airport options, but that’s exactly what makes Naples such a flex.
This isn’t the kind of place you want to reach after battling a rental-car counter, highway traffic, and the slow realization your “quick drive” is eating into beach time.
Naples is best enjoyed when you can land close, drop your bags, and get straight to the good stuff — fiery Gulf Coast sunsets, white-sand beaches, shop-til-you-drop sprees through Old Town, and fresh seafood dinners on nights you don't want to come to an end.
But there's one aspect that really seals the deal for you: safety.
Naples Is Florida's Safest Vacation Destination
If you're unfamiliar with our real-time Safety Index, it's been a huge hit with thousands upon thousands of votes by fellow travelers such as yourself.
Being such a hotspot for a sun-kissed beach getaway, Naples has risen to the top for Florida as the safest vacation destination, surpassing even more household names like Miami.
The last thing vacationers — and especially retirees living out their best golden years — want to do is keep their head on a swivel.
Naples sits atop all Florida destinations with a current safety score of 90/100, on par with fellow paradises like Honolulu and Cancun:
