Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport / Eglin AFB (VPS) – Valparaiso, Florida, USA

Your comprehensive guide to Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport (IATA: VPS, ICAO: KVPS) on Eglin Air Force Base, serving the Emerald Coast region.

🏢 Terminal Information & Services

The single passenger terminal serves four concourses (A–D), featuring both commercial and general aviation facilities. Amenities include:

Check-In & Lobby

• Check-in counters for Allegiant Air, American Eagle, Delta Connection, United Express, and select charter services.
• Shared baggage claim area on the lower level with two carousels.
• Airport Information Desk and Lost & Found located landside near baggage claim.
• Restrooms, family restrooms, and nursing rooms adjacent to the central lobby.
• Free Wi-Fi and charging stations throughout the terminal.
• Coffee shops (Starbucks Express) and snack kiosks (Hudson News) in the lobby and concourses.
• Car rental counters (Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Alamo, and Sixt) landside; vehicles parked in the adjacent rental car lot.

Concourse A (Gates A1–A4)

• Served by Allegiant Air (to various domestic leisure destinations).
• Dining & Retail:
  • Panini Express – Sandwiches and salads near Gate A2.
• Free Wi-Fi, charging stations, restrooms, and family facilities throughout.
• Pet Relief Areas: Indoor station near Gate A1 and outdoor relief adjacent to Concourse A entrance.

Concourse B (Gates B1–B3)

• Served by Silver Airways (to Tampa, Orlando) and Sun Country (seasonal to Minneapolis).
• Dining & Retail:
  • Café Eglin – Coffee, pastries near Gate B2.
  • Hudson News – Books, snacks near Gate B1.
• Free Wi-Fi, charging stations, restrooms, and family facilities throughout.
• Pet Relief Areas: Indoor station near Gate B1 and outdoor relief adjacent to Concourse B entrance.

Concourse C (Gates C1–C4)

• Served by American Eagle (to Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth) and Delta Connection (to Atlanta).
• Dining & Retail:
  • Gulf Coast Grill – Local cuisine near Gate C3.
  • Subway – Sandwiches near Gate C2.
• Free Wi-Fi, charging stations, restrooms, and family facilities throughout.
• Pet Relief Areas: Indoor station near Gate C1 and outdoor relief adjacent to Concourse C entrance.

Concourse D (Gates D1–D6)

• Served by United Express (to Chicago, Denver) and seasonal charters.
• Dining & Retail:
  • Florida Delights Deli – Near Gate D4.
  • Hudson News – Near Gate D1.
• Lounges:
  • United Club – Near Gate D3.
• Free Wi-Fi, charging stations, restrooms, and family facilities throughout.
• Pet Relief Areas: Indoor station near Gate D1 and outdoor relief adjacent to Concourse D entrance.

General Aviation & Military Operations

• General aviation ramp and Eglin FBO: self-serve Jet A and Avgas, tie-downs, and limited hangar space.
• Military operations: Eglin AFB units use separate military ramps and facilities; civilian access restricted.
• Pilot Facilities: Small pilot lounge with flight planning desk near FBO area.
• Maintenance & Repair: Limited line maintenance available through FBO and select third-party vendors.

✈️ Runways & Aircraft Services

• Runway 12/30: 10,001 ft × 150 ft, asphalt/concrete – primary runway handling all commercial, cargo, and military traffic.
• Runway 18L/36R: 10,000 ft × 200 ft, concrete – secondary runway supporting heavy military and cargo operations.
• Runway 18R/36L: 4,000 ft × 200 ft, concrete – used for smaller general aviation and training flights.
• Approach Aids & Lighting: ILS on Runway 12, PAPI on all runways, medium- and high-intensity lighting, and MALSR on Runway 12.
• Cargo Facilities: Dedicated military and commercial cargo ramps with handling equipment for Air Mobility Command and civilian carriers.
• Snow Removal & Storm Preparedness: Though rare in Southwest Florida, emergency equipment available for tropical storms and runway clearing.
• Noise Abatement: Standard departure and arrival corridors minimize overflight of residential areas; preferential runway use based on wind and military demands.

🚗 Ground Transportation

• Okaloosa County Transit (OCAT): Route 2 connects VPS to Eglin AFB housing areas, Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville—check schedules at ocfl.net/OCAT.
• Bay Town Trolley: Seasonal service to Destin and Panama City Beach during summer months—check local listings.
• Shuttle Services:
  • VPS Shuttle Service offers shared-ride and private van service to Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Niceville, and Valparaiso—reserve in advance.
  • Hotel courtesy shuttles run between VPS and nearby Gulf Coast resorts—arrange directly with your lodging.
• Taxi & Rideshare: Taxi stand curbside outside the terminal. Rideshare (Uber, Lyft) pickups at designated zone on the arrivals curb—follow signage.
• Rental Cars: Rental Car Facility adjacent to the terminal; agencies include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Alamo. Accessible via short pedestrian walkway.
• Parking:
  • Terminal Parking Garage: Covered parking adjacent to the terminal with direct access via covered walkways.
  • Surface Lots: Short-term and long-term lots adjacent to the terminal; no shuttle required.
  • Valet Parking: Available at the terminal entrance for quick drop-off/pick-up.
  • Cell Phone Waiting Lot: Free waiting area off Highway 85—monitor flight status and pick up passengers at the curb when ready.
• Private Car & Limousine: Prearranged pickups curbside outside the terminal—follow signage for limo zones.
• Bike & Pedestrian Access: Bike racks available near the terminal entrance; sidewalks connect to Hwy 85 and nearby neighborhoods.

📞 Contact & Official Information

Destin–Fort Walton Beach Airport / Eglin AFB is owned and operated by Okaloosa County and the U.S. Air Force’s 96th Test Wing.

• Official Site: flyvps.com
• Phone (General Information): +1 850-882-7200
• Airport Administration: +1 850-884-8424
• FBO – VPS Aviation (Civilian GA): +1 850-882-1919
• Military Operations – 96 TW Operations Center: +1 850-882-1800
• Lost & Found: +1 850-882-7200 (Press 2)
• Address: 100 Airport Rd, Valparaiso, FL 32583, USA