Where is pqc airport

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: PQC Airport is the IATA code for Key West International Airport, located in Key West, Florida, United States. It is situated approximately 2 miles northeast of downtown Key West on Stock Island.

Key Facts

PQC is the IATA code for Key West International Airport, not a standalone airport name
The airport is located 2 miles northeast of downtown Key West, Florida
Key West International Airport covers 727 acres and has one primary runway, Runway 09/27
The airport served over 570,000 passengers in 2022, a 12% increase from 2021
It is owned and operated by Monroe County, Florida

Overview

Key West International Airport, identified by the IATA code PQC, serves the southernmost city in the continental United States. Despite the uncommon use of PQC in public signage, aviation systems and flight trackers recognize it as the official code for Key West.

The airport is strategically positioned just 2 miles northeast of downtown Key West on Stock Island, making it easily accessible for tourists and residents alike. It functions as a critical transportation hub for the Florida Keys and supports both commercial and general aviation.

Location: The airport is situated at 3401 S. Roosevelt Boulevard, Key West, FL 33040, on approximately 727 acres of land.
Runway: It features one primary runway, Runway 09/27, which measures 6,255 feet in length and is paved with asphalt, capable of accommodating regional jets and turboprops.
Ownership: The facility is owned and operated by the Monroe County Airports Division, which oversees infrastructure and regulatory compliance.
Commercial Service: Airlines such as Southern Airways Express and American Airlines provide scheduled flights to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Tampa.
Historical Note: Originally established as a naval air station during World War II, the airport was transferred to civilian control in 1946 and has since evolved into a regional gateway.

How It Works

Understanding how PQC functions within aviation logistics involves examining its operational structure, flight patterns, and administrative oversight. The airport supports a mix of scheduled airlines, charter services, and private aircraft.

Code Assignment:PQC is the IATA identifier assigned to Key West International Airport; KEYW is its ICAO code used by air traffic control and flight planning systems.
Flight Operations: The airport averages 35–40 daily arrivals and departures, primarily from regional carriers using 30- to 50-seat turboprop aircraft.
Passenger Volume: In 2022, the airport handled over 570,000 passengers, reflecting a 12% year-over-year increase due to tourism recovery.
Security: TSA operates a checkpoint at the terminal, which was upgraded in 2020 to improve screening efficiency and passenger flow.
Facilities: The terminal includes baggage claim, rental car counters, a small café, and access to ground transportation including taxis and shuttles.
Emergency Role: Due to its location, the airport is designated as a relief hub during hurricanes, supporting FEMA and Coast Guard operations in the Keys.

Comparison at a Glance

Key West International (PQC) compared to similar regional airports in Florida:

Airport	IATA Code	Passengers (2022)	Runway Length	Primary Airlines
Key West International	PQC	570,000	6,255 ft	American, Southern Airways
Marathon Airport	MTH	45,000	4,000 ft	None scheduled
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood	FLL	32 million	9,000+ ft	Multiple major carriers
Islamorada Airport	FA44	General aviation only	3,000 ft	N/A
Tampa International	TPA	11.5 million	9,000+ ft	Multiple major carriers

The table illustrates that while PQC is small compared to major hubs like FLL or TPA, it plays an outsized role in regional connectivity. Unlike smaller Keys airports such as Marathon or Islamorada, PQC supports daily commercial flights and serves as the primary air gateway to the lower Keys.

Why It Matters

For residents and tourists, PQC is more than just an airport—it's a vital economic and emergency lifeline. Its operations directly impact tourism, healthcare access, and disaster response in a remote island chain.

Tourism Support: Over 80% of Key West’s economy relies on tourism, with PQC enabling direct access from major Florida cities.
Medical Transport: The airport facilitates medevac flights to Miami hospitals, critical for emergencies given the island’s limited medical facilities.
Environmental Monitoring: NOAA and USGS use the airport for deploying scientific aircraft to monitor coral reefs and hurricane patterns.
Coast Guard Operations: The nearby Coast Guard Air Station uses PQC’s airspace for search-and-rescue and drug interdiction missions.
Climate Resilience: With sea-level rise threatening low-lying infrastructure, the airport’s elevation and location are being evaluated for long-term sustainability.
Future Expansion: Monroe County is studying runway upgrades and terminal expansion to handle increased traffic through 2030.

As the Florida Keys continue to grow in population and tourism, PQC’s strategic importance will only increase. Its role in connectivity, safety, and economic stability ensures it remains a cornerstone of regional infrastructure.