Airport History

Airport Information Sign at Terminal Facility
Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport (FBMA) was developed during World War II by the United States Navy and originally served as a training facility.

Following World War II, the Airport facilities were transferred to the City of Fernandina Beach in accordance with the provisions of the U.S. Surplus Property Act of 1944. This transfer, which occurred on July 10, 1947, provided ownership of 1,116 acres of property along with all buildings and airport improvements to the City of Fernandina Beach. 


1947 Airport Property Map
In 1966, the City of Fernandina Beach began coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for release of approximately 266 acres of airport property. This property was released for residential development and for use as the City-owned golf course. Protections remained in place for clear zones under the approach corridors to Runways 22, 27, and 31. The airport retains ownership of approximately 850 acres to this day as shown below.
Current Airport Property Ownership Map
For more information pertaining to the present-day airport and its aviation facilities, please visit the "Airport Information" tab found on the left-hand side of this page.