Loading Page...

Is Orlando Sanford a small airport?

Our second Orlando airport isn't actually in Orlando. As the name suggests, Sanford International Airport (SFB) is in Sanford, 30 miles away. This lesser-known airport is much smaller than Orlando International, with about 3.5 million passengers flying in and out each year.



Yes, Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) is officially classified by the FAA as a "Primary Small Hub" commercial service airport. While it covers a large physical area of approximately 3,000 acres and has four runways (the longest being over 11,000 feet), its passenger volume and terminal size are small compared to the "Mega-Hub" status of nearby Orlando International (MCO). In 2026, SFB serves roughly 2.5 to 3 million passengers annually, primarily catering to ultra-low-cost carriers like Allegiant Air, which uses Sanford as one of its largest operational bases. For travelers, its "small" status is a major benefit; it offers significantly shorter security lines, easier parking, and a much faster "curb-to-gate" experience than larger international airports. However, because it is located about 18 miles northeast of downtown Orlando (and roughly 45–60 minutes from the theme parks), it lacks the massive retail, dining, and public transit infrastructure (like the Brightline or SunRail links) that define larger hubs. It remains a "specialized" airport, serving as a primary logistics, flight training, and "budget-friendly" gateway for Central Florida.

People Also Ask

Orlando Sanford International Airport is the city's second airport, and even though it is not as busy as Orlando International Airport it still ranks in the top 30 busiest airports in the world in terms of flight operations (take-offs and landings).

MORE DETAILS

How early should I arrive for my departing flight? We recommend arriving 2 hours early for domestic flights and 3.5 hours early for international flights.

MORE DETAILS

What are the nearest airports to the Walt Disney World Resort? A: Your best option is to fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO) or Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB).

MORE DETAILS

For domestic flights in the United States, most airlines recommend that passengers arrive at the airport at least 1-2 hours before the scheduled departure time for check-in and security screening.

MORE DETAILS

The general guideline on how early to get to the airport for a domestic flight is 2 hours. However, those traveling at a very busy time of year or out of a large airport might want to allow more time.

MORE DETAILS