Naples Municipal Airport (KAPF)—shut down by Hurricane Ian—reopened to civilian traffic on a limited basis Friday.Â
The airport, along with most of the city, was flooded by storm surge when Hurricane Ian came ashore Wednesday as a Category 4 storm, dragging boats inland and washing away homes and cars. The control tower resumed operation Friday morning, however, the airport is currently open from dawn to dusk only due to damage to airport signage and the lighting system. Access to hangars is also limited.
Civilian pilots wishing to land at Naples need to obtain prior permission by calling 239-564-1692.
Repair crews scrambled to get the airport, which has a field elevation of 8 feet msl, reopened so that emergency helicopters could come in to assist with relief operations.
According to Airnav.com, there are 352 aircraft based at the field. It is not known how many were there when the storm hit or if there was any damage to them or to airport buildings and infrastructure.
Damage Beyond the Airport
Naples Airport staff used all available equipment, including fire trucks, front-end loaders, and sweepers to clear debris from the runways, taxiways, and ramps in order to facilitate emergency and first responder flights.
The city of Naples, which has an elevation of approximately 3 feet above sea level, is known for its luxurious waterfront homes and constructed canals and lakes.
HURRICANE IAN: Firefighters in Naples, Florida removed equipment from their firetruck as floodwaters poured into the station. Hurricane Ian made landfall on Florida’s west coast this afternoon.https://t.co/K0VItAbhJ4 pic.twitter.com/9bb2WtxBxr
— KXAN News (@KXAN_News) September 29, 2022
There have been multiple water rescues and attempts to mitigate damage. The national media has shared videos of buildings being swept away by flood waters, power poles being toppled by the storm and transformers exploding. It is estimated that some 2.5 million people in the state are without power. Local law enforcement reports that Coast Guard helicopters are rescuing people trapped by floodwaters.
Naples Municipal Airport covers 732 acres, and is home to flight schools, air charter operators, car rental agencies, and corporate aviation and non-aviation businesses. The airport is also a central location for public services, including fire/rescue, mosquito control, and the Collier County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit. The airport has three runways: 5/23, measuring 6,600 feet by 150 feet, Runway 14/32, measuring 5,000 feet by 100 feet, and a turf runway designated SW/NE, measuring 1,850 feet by 100 feet.
According to FlyNaples.com, “The airport also prides itself on being the hub of emergency staging during natural disasters, like hurricanes and tornadoes, for first responders, lighting, and power crews.”
The airport is self-sustaining, as all funds used for the airport’s operation, maintenance and improvements are generated from activities at the airport or federal and state grants from aviation-related user fees. The Florida Department of Transportation values the airport’s annual economic impact to the community at more than $440 million. For more information or to subscribe to email updates from the airport, visit www.FlyNaples.com.
