Last Updated on July 28, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Ocala International Airport, also called Jim Taylor Field, is a city-owned general aviation airport west of Ocala, Florida. It serves private aircraft, charter operators, corporate aviation, flight training, cargo, and other on-demand operations. It does not offer scheduled passenger airline flights, so airline travelers normally use Gainesville, Orlando, or Tampa and continue to Ocala by road.
Quick Answer
Ocala International Airport (OCF/KOCF) is a city-owned general aviation airport for private, charter, corporate, training, and cargo operations. It has no scheduled passenger airline service. Sheltair is the on-site FBO, and the main runway is 7,467 feet long. Airline travelers usually use Gainesville, Orlando, or Tampa.
Key Takeaways
- No scheduled airlines: OCF serves general aviation and qualifying charter or air-carrier operations, but it does not have scheduled passenger flights.
- Two runways: The main runway is 7,467 feet by 150 feet, while the crosswind runway is about 3,009 feet by 50 feet.
- On-site FBO: Sheltair provides fuel, ground support, lounges, flight-planning facilities, rental-car coordination, and concierge services.
- No routine customs clearance: International arrivals must plan clearance through a current CBP-listed airport before continuing to OCF.
- Commercial alternatives: Gainesville Regional Airport is the closest practical airline airport, while Orlando and Tampa provide much larger route networks.
Airport at a Glance
| Official Name | Ocala International Airport–Jim Taylor Field |
| Airport Codes | OCF (FAA/IATA) and KOCF (ICAO) |
| Airport Type | Public, city-owned general aviation airport |
| Scheduled Airlines | None |
| Main Runway | Runway 18/36, 7,467 feet by 150 feet |
| Fixed Base Operator | Sheltair Aviation |
| Customs | No routine CBP arrival processing |
| Address | 1770 SW 60th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34474 |
What Types of Flights Use Ocala International Airport?
Ocala International Airport focuses on general aviation rather than scheduled airline passengers. Typical users include privately owned aircraft, business aviation, air-taxi and charter operators, flight schools, cargo operators, aircraft-maintenance businesses, and transient pilots visiting Central Florida.
The phrase “no commercial airlines” can be misleading because some charter and cargo flights are commercial operations. The important distinction is that OCF has no scheduled passenger airline service. You cannot buy a normal American, Delta, Southwest, or United ticket with OCF as your scheduled origin or destination.
Private travelers generally arrange a flight through an aircraft owner, charter broker, or FAA-authorized charter operator. The operator then coordinates aircraft suitability, arrival time, handling, fuel, parking, and passenger services with the airport and FBO.
OCF is especially convenient for travelers visiting Ocala’s business districts, horse farms, and the World Equestrian Center. Sheltair describes its airport location as being minutes from the equestrian complex, but passengers should confirm actual road time for their destination.
Runways, Air Traffic Control, and Aircraft Capability
Florida Department of Transportation airport data lists two asphalt runways at OCF:
- Runway 18/36: 7,467 feet long by 150 feet wide. This is the airport’s primary runway and supports a wide range of general aviation and business aircraft.
- Runway 8/26: Approximately 3,009 feet long by 50 feet wide. This shorter crosswind runway is mainly suited to smaller aircraft when performance and conditions permit.
The airport also has an air traffic control tower, published instrument approaches, parallel taxiway access, general aviation ramps, cargo areas, hangars, and flight-school facilities.
Note: Runway length does not guarantee that a specific aircraft can use OCF. Pilots and operators must verify available landing and takeoff distance, pavement limits, weather, aircraft weight, approach requirements, handling, and current airport conditions.
Part 139 Airport Certification
The FAA Part 139 Airport Certification Status List identifies OCF as a Class IV, Index A certificated airport. Part 139 requirements address areas such as airfield inspections, markings, lighting, fueling safety, emergency planning, aircraft rescue and firefighting capability, and wildlife-hazard management.
This certification supports qualifying unscheduled air-carrier operations, but it does not mean OCF has scheduled passenger service or that every large aircraft can operate there without a separate performance and handling review.
Why Private Travelers Choose OCF
| Feature | Practical Benefit |
|---|---|
| No Public Airline Checkpoint | General aviation passengers avoid the public airline-terminal check-in and TSA-checkpoint process, although operator security rules still apply. |
| Central Location | OCF offers convenient road access to Interstate 75, Ocala businesses, horse farms, and the World Equestrian Center. |
| FBO Support | Passengers and crews can arrange fueling, ground handling, rental cars, catering, lounges, and flight-planning support through Sheltair. |
| Privacy | The general aviation setting is less crowded than a scheduled-airline terminal and allows more controlled arrival and departure arrangements. |
| Flexible Scheduling | Charter and private flights can operate around the aircraft, crew, airport, weather, and passenger schedule rather than an airline timetable. |
| Direct Cost Quotes | Operators can request current fuel, handling, parking, hangar, and after-hours pricing before the flight instead of relying on broad airport-cost comparisons. |
Sheltair FBO, Terminal Amenities, and Dining
Sheltair Aviation is the airport’s full-service fixed base operator. Its published OCF hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. After-hours assistance is available on call, and additional fees may apply.
Published services and amenities include:
- Jet A and aviation gasoline
- Ground support and concierge assistance
- On-site rental-car coordination
- Catering coordination
- Crew cars, subject to availability
- Wireless internet
- An executive boardroom
- Flight-planning and weather facilities
- Pilot lounges and snooze rooms
- Shower and locker facilities
- Complimentary refreshments
- Aircraft parking and hangar services
The modern 17,500-square-foot general aviation terminal was completed in 2020. It contains airport and FBO offices, meeting space, passenger facilities, rental-car support, and the airport restaurant.
Elevation 89 Restaurant
Elevation 89 is located at the airport and offers views of the runway and aircraft activity. The City of Ocala currently lists its hours as 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Restaurant hours can change, so confirm them before making a special trip.
TSA Screening and the Private-Flight Passenger Process
OCF does not have the public airline check-in counters, departure gates, and TSA passenger checkpoint found at a scheduled commercial airport. That makes the process faster for many private passengers, but it does not remove all security requirements.
Your charter company, aircraft operator, crew, FBO, or airport may require identification, a passenger manifest, baggage screening, escorts, restricted-area procedures, or advance passenger information. Travelers should follow the operator’s instructions instead of assuming they can enter the ramp or board without verification.
Passengers connecting from a scheduled airline flight will still complete the normal airline check-in and boarding-pass process at GNV, MCO, TPA, or another commercial airport before traveling by road to Ocala.
Warning: Do not drive onto an aircraft ramp or through a controlled gate without authorization. Ramp-side vehicle access must be coordinated with the FBO, operator, or airport and remains subject to local security rules.
Nearest Commercial Airports to Ocala
Travelers who need a scheduled airline ticket must use another airport. Distances and driving times below are approximate and can change with the starting point, traffic, construction, weather, and route.
| Airport | Approximate Road Trip | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) | About 44 miles; often 50–60 minutes | The closest scheduled-airline airport. GNV currently advertises American and Delta service to Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Miami. |
| Orlando International Airport (MCO) | About 88 miles; commonly 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes | The broadest domestic and international selection. MCO advertises nonstop service to more than 170 destinations. |
| Tampa International Airport (TPA) | About 102 miles; commonly 1.5–2 hours | A strong alternative for Gulf Coast, domestic, and international routes. TPA advertises more than 100 nonstop destinations. |
Note: Gainesville is closest, but it does not always produce the shortest total trip. Compare airfare, connections, baggage rules, rental-car cost, and road time at GNV, MCO, and TPA before booking.
Ground Transportation and Parking
Rental cars can be arranged through the FBO, and Sheltair lists on-site rental cars among its OCF amenities. Depending on the operator, security conditions, and prior arrangements, an authorized vehicle may be positioned near the aircraft or passengers may meet it at the terminal.
Local taxis and app-based rides may also serve the airport. Availability can be limited during early-morning, late-night, or high-demand periods, so prearranging the ride is safer than requesting it only after landing.
Pro Tip: Contact Sheltair before departure with your arrival time, aircraft tail number, passenger count, rental-car request, and any catering or ground-transportation needs. Advance notice gives the FBO time to coordinate the arrival.
Warning: The City of Ocala states that overnight parking is not allowed in the general aviation terminal parking lot. Use designated rental-car spaces and passenger pickup areas, and arrange any longer-term vehicle parking before the trip.
International Flights and U.S. Customs
Despite the word “International” in its name, OCF does not provide routine U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrival processing. CBP withdrew the airport’s user-fee designation in 2005, and travelers should not plan to arrive directly from another country expecting to clear immigration and customs in Ocala.
An international private-flight operator must use a currently authorized airport for its first U.S. landing, satisfy advance-notice and manifest rules, and confirm the appointment and operating hours directly with CBP. After clearance, the aircraft may continue to OCF as a domestic flight when legally and operationally permitted.
Use the current CBP General Aviation Airport List when planning the route. Airport availability and CBP processing hours can change, and many facilities require advance permission.
Warning: Never rely on the airport’s name as proof that customs service is available. The pilot or operator must confirm the authorized airport, appointment, documentation, and arrival procedure with CBP before departing for the United States.
Flight Planning and Useful Contacts
Pilots and operators should review current FAA charts, weather, NOTAMs, runway data, approach information, operating limitations, and airport advisories before every flight. Information in a travel guide cannot replace an official flight briefing or current aeronautical publication.
- Airport administration: 352-629-8377
- Airport operations: 352-857-6505
- Sheltair OCF main line: 352-237-3444
- Airport address: 1770 SW 60th Avenue, Ocala, Florida 34474
Sheltair publishes normal operating hours of 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and lists after-hours on-call support for an additional fee. Confirm staffing, services, fees, fuel requirements, parking, and transportation directly before departure.
History and Development of Ocala International Airport
Ocala’s aviation history began with the original Jim Taylor Field in the late 1920s. Scheduled airline service later operated at the airport, but commuter service ended in the early 1980s. The facility has since developed around general aviation, business aviation, flight training, cargo, and supporting airport businesses.
The current airport has expanded over time with runway improvements, taxiways, instrument approaches, hangars, an air traffic control tower, and other aviation infrastructure. Its modern 17,500-square-foot general aviation terminal was completed in 2020.
OCF combines a 7,467-foot main runway, current Part 139 certification, a full-service FBO, and direct access to Ocala’s business and equestrian community.
The City of Ocala is working on a 2026 Airport Master Plan Update to guide future airport needs. However, no scheduled passenger airline launch or confirmed service date is currently published. Travelers should continue to plan scheduled airline trips through GNV, MCO, TPA, or another commercial airport unless an official airline announcement states otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airlines fly into Ocala International Airport?
No airline operates regular scheduled passenger flights at Ocala International Airport. OCF serves private aircraft, charter and air-taxi operators, corporate aviation, flight training, cargo, and other general aviation activity.
Can I book a private charter flight to OCF?
Yes. A charter operator can schedule a flight to OCF when the aircraft, crew, weather, runway, airport, and handling requirements are suitable. Use an FAA-authorized operator and confirm all fees and services before departure.
Does Ocala International Airport have TSA screening?
OCF does not have a public airline-style TSA passenger checkpoint because it has no scheduled airline terminal. Private and charter passengers must still follow identification, baggage, manifest, escort, and security procedures required by the operator, FBO, airport, or government.
Does OCF have U.S. Customs for international arrivals?
No routine CBP arrival processing is available at OCF. International private flights must clear at a currently authorized CBP airport and satisfy all advance-notice, manifest, appointment, and documentation requirements before continuing to Ocala.
Why is it called an international airport without customs?
An airport’s name does not guarantee current customs service or scheduled international flights. OCF previously held a CBP user-fee designation, but that designation was withdrawn effective May 3, 2005.
What is the closest airport to Ocala for commercial flights?
Gainesville Regional Airport is the closest practical scheduled-airline airport at about 44 road miles from Ocala. Orlando International and Tampa International are farther away but offer many more domestic and international routes.
Can large business jets use Ocala International Airport?
Many business jets can use OCF’s 7,467-foot main runway, but suitability depends on the aircraft, weight, weather, pavement limits, available runway distance, approach, crew requirements, and ground-handling arrangements. The operator must complete the final performance review.
Can I rent a car at Ocala International Airport?
On-site rental cars can be coordinated through Sheltair. Reserve the vehicle before landing and ask where it will be positioned. Ramp delivery, vehicle access, provider availability, and fees depend on the arrangements and airport security rules.
Sources
- City of Ocala — Ocala International Airport — official airport policy, contacts, restaurant hours, parking rules, and master-plan information.
- Florida Department of Transportation — OCF Airport Record — runway and airport infrastructure data.
- Federal Aviation Administration — Part 139 Certification Status — current airport certification classification.
- Sheltair Aviation — OCF — current FBO hours, contact information, services, and amenities.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection — General Aviation Airports — current international-arrival processing locations and planning resources.
- Federal Register — Withdrawal of OCF User-Fee Status — official record of the termination of Ocala’s CBP user-fee airport designation.