Tuesday, July 29, 2025
If you’re dreaming of white sand beaches, warm emerald waters, and easy airport access, there’s great news on the horizon. Starting in December 2025, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) will offer daily nonstop flights to both Miami and Chicago—two major hubs that will make visiting (or leaving) the Florida Panhandle more convenient than ever.
Whether you’re flying in for a coastal getaway or heading north to catch a concert or snow, these new routes promise smoother travel plans and faster connections to everywhere you want to be.
Daily Flights to Miami: A New Bridge to South Florida
Beginning December 19, 2025, American Airlines will operate a daily direct flight from VPS to Miami International Airport (MIA)—one of the busiest international gateways in the U.S. For travelers, this means direct access to vibrant South Beach weekends, easy cruise departures, and seamless connections to Latin America and the Caribbean.
Flight Schedule:
- VPS → MIA: Departs 6:00 a.m., arrives 8:42 a.m.
- MIA → VPS: Departs 10:59 p.m., arrives 11:58 p.m.
Why it matters for travelers:
The early morning flight lets you wake up in Destin and enjoy breakfast in Miami—or even catch an international flight the same day. The late-night return gives maximum flexibility, whether you’re traveling for work or enjoying one last cocktail on Ocean Drive.
Chicago Flights Now Available Year-Round
Previously a seasonal escape route, American Airlines’ VPS to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) flight is now available every day, all year long. This opens the door for travelers heading to the Windy City for holidays, festivals, or business trips—without the stress of long layovers or inconsistent scheduling.
Flight Schedule:
- VPS → ORD: Departs 11:08 a.m., arrives 1:37 p.m.
- ORD → VPS: Departs 8:05 a.m., arrives 10:31 a.m.
Why it’s a win for vacationers:
Midwestern travelers can now escape the winter chill with nonstop flights to Florida’s warm Gulf shores, while Florida locals can plan Chicago weekend getaways with year-round access to food, art, and culture.
Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport: Small Airport, Big Convenience
VPS is a favorite among travelers who value fast security lines, easy parking, and a relaxed airport atmosphere. Located just minutes from Destin’s sugar-white beaches, the airport currently operates more than 50 flights daily and is part of the Okaloosa County Airports System.
Inside, passengers can enjoy modern amenities, local dining options, and even a USO Freedom Lounge for active-duty military members and their families.
Avelo Brings Back Service to Connecticut
For travelers from the Northeast, there’s more good news: Avelo Airlines has resumed nonstop service between VPS and Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) in Southern Connecticut. Operating twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays, this route offers a low-fare, no-hassle option for weekend travelers, snowbirds, and families visiting the coast.
Why This Matters for Travelers in 2025 and Beyond
With over 2.3 million annual passengers in 2024 and a projected 7–10% increase in 2026, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is quickly becoming a rising star for domestic travel. The new flight options:
- Cut travel time to major cities
- Eliminate unnecessary layovers
- Offer easier access to cruise ports, international flights, and vacation destinations
- Support smoother weekend trips and business travel
Best of all: Whether you’re planning a last-minute winter escape or a summer beach holiday, these expanded services will give you more flexibility and fewer travel headaches.
Travel Tip: Book Early for the Holidays
With the VPS to Miami route starting just before Christmas and Chicago flights running daily through winter, demand is expected to spike during holiday travel periods. Tickets are now available on American Airlines’ official site and app.
If you’re planning to visit Florida’s Emerald Coast—or escape it for a northern adventure—now’s the time to book your flights and lock in travel deals.
Whether you’re sun-chasing, business-traveling, or city-hopping, the Florida Panhandle just got a little closer to everything. With daily flights to Miami and Chicago, Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is ready for takeoff—and so are you.
