American Airlines launches nonstop Miami flights from Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport this December
Destin, Florida – American Airlines is expanding its footprint at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) by adding a new route within the state and extending a popular service that already exists. Beginning December 19, 2025, travelers will have the option to fly nonstop from VPS to Miami International Airport (MIA) with daily direct flights now officially on the schedule.
This news is a big step toward making travel easier for people in Northwest Florida, both inside the state and internationally. Miami is not only a popular place to visit in Florida, but it is also an important gateway to the rest of the world. The new route makes it easy to get from Okaloosa County to important foreign markets with more than 70 continuing connections across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America. For people going to sunny beaches in other countries, cruise ship ports, or business locations in Latin America, leaving from VPS just become a lot more appealing.
American Airlines has long been a cornerstone of air service at VPS, and this latest move only deepens its commitment to the region. Along with the Miami route, American will now fly to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) all year round. The Chicago route used to only have seasonal flights, but now it will run every day of the year. This gives both business and leisure tourists going to the Midwest more options.
Local leaders hailed the announcement as a major victory for the region’s economy and quality of life. “The addition of American Airlines’ direct flights from VPS to Miami marks a tremendous milestone for our region. This new service doesn’t just enhance our aviation connectivity—it opens an international gateway for both our visitors and our citizens,” said County Commissioner Sherri Cox.
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Okaloosa County Vice Chairman Carolyn Ketchel noted the years of effort behind bringing in-state air travel to VPS.
“I am very thankful and proud of Tracy Stage and the team at Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS),” said Okaloosa County Vice Chairman Carolyn Ketchel (District 2). “We have worked for years to bring intrastate air travel to VPS and I am excited for the possibility of adding more Florida destinations for passengers in the future.”
The announcement shows that Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport continues to expand as a regional hub. American Airlines currently flies to Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Washington, D.C. The addition of Miami and year-round Chicago flights makes VPS even more connected.
Tickets for the new Miami flights go on sale starting July 21 via American’s website and mobile app. As Airport Director Tracy Stage put it, “Legacy, intrastate daily direct service—let’s go to Miami and abroad with American Airlines!”
Flight times can be seen here.
