Multiple readers submitted letters to Ocala-News.com to share their thoughts on bringing commercial flights to Ocala International Airport.
“I am against commercial airline service to Ocala. It would create more traffic, more parking problems, and it’s certainly not necessary. Drive to the Gainesville airport, which is small and 30 minutes away. Or if you want cheap, non-stop service, continue to Orlando or even Tampa,” says Ocala resident Doug Walton.
“The Ocala International Airport should be open for public flights to service commercial airlines like American Eagle or Allegiant Air, or many other commuter regional airlines for connection to other large international airports like Tampa, Orlando, or Miami. We all pay local taxes and a portion of it pays for the operational cost to maintain the Ocala International Airport. Let’s make the OIA a true international airport to operate as a regional airport connecting flights to Tampa, Orlando, and Miami,” says Fidelis Ramos, Ocala resident.
“To me, it’s a ‘no-brainer’ solution to the airport problem. For three to four days, let it be a private airport. The other three to four days, open it up to several regional flights serviced by three or four public airlines. We don’t have the population (yet) to support daily, national, or international flights. That way, there would be air services to satisfy those that have travel needs,” says Silver Springs resident William Lee.
“I have lived in Ocala 30-plus years. I have only gone to the Orlando airport twice. I found I can go up to Gainesville to catch a flight. Yes, they only have two airlines there, but they take you up to Atlanta, Georgia or Charlotte, North Carolina to catch a larger plane to every other place. No hassle with tracking or tools, and you can park your car there for a day or longer. Check it out. If we could be like Gainesville, it would mean we could travel more often, even with a disability,” says Reba Simpson, Ocala resident.
“Ocala is growing dramatically. Our airport definitely needs domestic flights. We now have the World Equestrian Center open, and many other business and tourist destinations going on. I hope the airport takes the opportunity that is right in front of them and takes advantage of the situation,” says Ocala resident Ashley Conner.
“I don’t fly, but I make a lot of trips to Sanford International Airport to pick up family and friends. It’s a long, tiring ride. Making Ocala International Airport available for flights to and from New Hampshire or the Boston area a couple times a week would be wonderful. At this point, once a week would be excellent,” says Craig Thomson, Ocala resident.