Where is sfb airport

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: SFB Airport, officially known as Orlando Sanford International Airport, is located in Sanford, Florida, approximately 20 miles north of downtown Orlando. It primarily serves international charter flights and is a base for several airlines, including Allegiant Air.

Key Facts

SFB is officially named Orlando Sanford International Airport
Located in Sanford, Florida, about 20 miles north of Orlando
IATA code: SFB; ICAO code: KSFB
Opened in 1942 as a U.S. Navy airfield during World War II
Handles over 1.5 million passengers annually

Overview

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is a public airport located in Sanford, Seminole County, Florida. It serves the greater Orlando metropolitan area and is a key alternative to Orlando International Airport (MCO) for certain carriers and charter flights.

The airport is owned and operated by the Sanford Airport Authority and sees significant traffic from international vacationers, especially from Canada and Europe. Its strategic location supports both commercial aviation and general aviation operations.

Orlando Sanford International Airport is the official name of SFB, distinguishing it from other regional airports in Central Florida.
Sanford, Florida is the city where SFB is physically located, approximately 20 miles northeast of downtown Orlando.
Allegiant Air is the dominant carrier at SFB, operating more than 75% of scheduled passenger flights from the airport.
Runway 18R/36L is 9,001 feet long, allowing SFB to accommodate wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 757 and 767 on charter missions.
Opened in 1942 as the Naval Air Station Sanford, the airport transitioned to civilian use in the 1960s after military operations ceased.

How It Works

SFB functions as a joint civil-military airport with infrastructure supporting commercial, cargo, and general aviation needs. Its operations are optimized for low-cost and charter airlines, offering cost-effective alternatives to busier Orlando airports.

Commercial Passenger Service: SFB hosts scheduled flights primarily through Allegiant Air, connecting Central Florida to over 20 U.S. cities with point-to-point, nonstop routes.
International Charter Flights: The airport regularly receives seasonal international charters, especially from Canadian and European destinations during peak vacation months.
Customs and Border Protection: SFB has a federal inspection services facility, enabling it to process international arrivals without requiring passengers to re-clear customs elsewhere.
General Aviation Hub: The airport supports over 100 private and corporate aircraft based on-site, with hangar space and fueling services available.
Cargo Operations: FedEx and other freight carriers utilize SFB for regional distribution, with a dedicated cargo apron and ground handling infrastructure.
Aviation Training: Several flight schools and training academies operate at SFB, including those affiliated with major airlines for pilot development.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of SFB with nearby Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB).

Airport	Distance from Orlando	Annual Passengers (2022)	Primary Airlines	International Service
Orlando Sanford (SFB)	20 miles north	1.6 million	Allegiant Air, TUI Airways	Limited, charter-only
Orlando International (MCO)	10 miles southeast	50.8 million	Delta, American, United	Extensive, scheduled
Daytona Beach (DAB)	55 miles northeast	320,000	Allegiant Air	None
Tampa International (TPA)	85 miles west	10.2 million	Southwest, Silver Airways	Limited
Fort Lauderdale (FLL)	140 miles southeast	35.5 million	JetBlue, Spirit	Extensive

This table highlights how SFB fills a niche role as a secondary airport for Orlando, focusing on leisure travelers and budget airlines. While MCO dominates in passenger volume and global connectivity, SFB offers fewer crowds and lower operating costs, making it attractive for specific market segments.

Why It Matters

Understanding SFB’s location and role helps travelers and logistics planners make informed decisions about access to Central Florida. Its strategic positioning supports regional economic development and tourism diversity.

Alternative to MCO: SFB provides travelers with an option outside the congested Orlando International Airport, reducing ground transportation time for northern suburbs.
Tourism Expansion: By handling international charters, SFB helps expand Orlando’s tourism reach to vacationers from outside the U.S. domestic network.
Low-Cost Carrier Base: Allegiant’s hub at SFB enables affordable airfare to underserved markets, promoting air travel accessibility.
Economic Impact: SFB contributes over $200 million annually to the local economy and supports more than 1,500 jobs.
Aviation Education: The airport’s flight training programs help meet national pilot demand, partnering with schools like Spartan College.
Future Growth: Ongoing terminal upgrades and runway improvements signal long-term investment in SFB’s role as a regional aviation asset.

As Central Florida’s population and tourism industry continue to grow, SFB remains a vital component of the region’s transportation infrastructure, balancing capacity and service diversity.