All You Need To Know About Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

Whenever individuals consider flying into Orlando, the first name that crosses their mind is that of Orlando International Airport (MCO). But did you know there is another convenient way? Orlando Sanford International Airport (IATA: SFB) is a smaller airport that is situated approximately 27 miles northeast of downtown Orlando. It is not as busy, it is simple to get around, and it is a base of low-cost carriers such as Allegiant Air.

Key Facts on the Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)

• Airport Codes: IATA- SFB, ICAO -KSFB, FAA LID- SFB

• Location: Sanford, Seminole County, Florida (approximately 27 miles northeast of downtown Orlando)

• Airport Authority: The Sanford Airport Authority owns and runs the airport

• Airport Size: 3,000 acres (1,214 ha)

• Elevation: 55 feet (17 m)

• Runways:

• 9L/27R Runway: 11,002 ft long, 150 ft wide, asphalt (main runway with ILS)

• Runway 9C/27C: 3,578 ft in length, 75 ft in width, asphalt

• Runway 9R/27L: 5,839 ft long/75 ft wide asphalt

• Runway 18/36: 6,002 ft. long, 150 ft. wide, asphalt/concrete

A Brief History of SFB

The history of the airport is interesting. It was initially constructed as Naval Air Station Sanford in 1942, and it was used as a master jet base for U.S. Navy aircraft until 1969. The City of Sanford took over when the Navy ceased operations and slowly converted it into a civilian airport.

It has changed a few names over the years, changing its name to Sanford Regional Airport, Central Florida Regional Airport, and Orlando Sanford Regional Airport before it became Orlando Sanford International Airport. It is to this day owned and operated by the Sanford Airport Authority and is still growing as an alternative to MCO.

Distance of SFB to Major Airports in Orlando

The table below shows the distance and the estimated drive time of the major airports in the area to the Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB):

Airlines and Destinations

Although SFB used to be popular for European charter flights, it shifted its attention to domestic travel when it became a base 2008 by Allegiant Air. Sanford is linked to dozens of American cities by the airline, so it is an excellent option for a cheap flight.

It is also used by some seasonal international flights, like the Canadian airline Flair Airlines, and in the past, airlines such as TUI Airways and Thomas Cook Airlines have served this airport.

Orlando Sanford Airport Terminals

In contrast to the giant Orlando International Airport, SFB is conveniently navigated with a single terminal complex, divided into two interconnected parts:

Terminal A—International flights

• Manages the majority of the foreign arrivals and departures.

• Terminal A is equipped for international arrivals with U.S. Customs facilities and limited duty-free shopping, though scheduled international flights are occasional.

• Provides food, beverage, and retail services to long-haul travelers.

• Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) has 16 gates in the single terminal complex, with Gates 10-16 in Terminal A on the second floor.

Terminal B – Domestic Flights

• Majorly operates within the U.S.A.

• Includes airline check-in counters, TSA security, and multiple dining options.

• Has car rental offices, local transportation, and convenience stores.

• Terminal B has 16 gates: 1-4 in the east concourse, 5-9 in the central area, and 10-16 in the west wing, all at level two.

Facilities and Services

SFB provides travelers with a number of convenient facilities:

• Food and Dining—Cafes, restaurants, grab and go, and bars.

• Shopping- A has newsstands, convenience stores, and duty-free shops.

• Free Wi-Fi—Free Wi-Fi is available in the entire airport.

• Ground Transportation – Level 1 has rental cars, shuttles, taxis, and rideshare services.

• Other Services—Lost and found, ATMs, pet relief areas, and accessibility services.

Runways and Operations

(Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Sanford_International_Airport)

Orlando Sanford Airport has four runways and occupies an area of 3,000 acres. It has a main runway that is 9L/27R in length and over 11,000 feet long, and can handle large planes. 

• Runway 9L/27R: 11,002 x 150 ft. (3,353 x 46 m), asphalt

• Runway 9C/27C: 3,578 x 75 ft. (1,091 x 23 m), asphalt

• Runway 9R/27L: 5,839 x 75 ft. (1,780 x 23 m), asphalt

• Runway 18/36: 6,002 x 150 ft. (1,829 x 46 m) asphalt/concrete.

Recent Growth and Change

SFB is making heavy investments in upgrades to match increasing demand. In the year 2024, the airport obtained a loan in the amount of 13 million dollars to be used to expand the runways, improve the terminals, and increase parking spaces. In the future, it is planned to invest over $300 million in development projects, which means that the airport will be able to accommodate more passengers and flights in the future.

Why Orlando Sanford Airport?

The following are some of the reasons why travelers prefer SFB:

• Less crowded than Orlando International (MCO).

• Low-cost flights with Allegiant Air and other low-cost airlines.

• Fast check-in and security clearance in comparison to other bigger airports.

• Easy services that are not too huge, like MCO.

To the families that are going to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, or going on a cruise to Port Canaveral, SFB can be a stress-free and cost-effective choice.

Final Thoughts

Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) provides an efficient travel experience no matter whether you are flying domestically with Allegiant or arriving in the U.S. Having a long history, modern facilities, and constant expansions, it remains a good and convenient substitute to the Orlando International Airport.