versailles miami airport

What is Versailles Miami Airport? All About Opa-Locka Executive Airport

Versailles Miami Airport isn’t actually the name of a real airport in Miami. It’s likely a misnomer or confusion referencing the well-known Cuban restaurant, Versailles, in Miami, or, more accurately, referring to the Opa-Locka Executive Airport (OPF), which is the general aviation airport serving the Miami area. The Opa-Locka Airport is a major reliever airport handling significant traffic to reduce congestion at Miami International Airport (MIA).

Opa-Locka Executive Airport: The Actual Airport

The correct name for the airport often confused with “Versailles Miami Airport” is the Opa-Locka Executive Airport (OPF). Located in Opa-Locka, Florida, it serves as a crucial general aviation facility. The airport’s history is quite interesting; it started as a naval air station during World War II and later transitioned into a civil airport.

Location and Facilities

Opa-Locka Executive Airport is situated in Miami-Dade County. It provides various facilities to support general aviation, including multiple runways, fixed-base operators (FBOs) offering services like fueling, hangar space, and aircraft maintenance, and air traffic control services. This airport is crucial for corporate aviation, flight training, and private pilots.

Importance to Miami-Dade County

The airport plays a vital role in the economic activity of Miami-Dade County. It supports various businesses and industries, including aviation-related services, tourism, and transportation. Because it handles general aviation traffic, it helps ease congestion at Miami International Airport (MIA), allowing MIA to focus on commercial flights. More information can be found on Wikipedia’s Opa-Locka Executive Airport Page.

Why the Confusion with “Versailles”?

The confusion likely stems from a simple association: Versailles is a famous Cuban restaurant located in Miami and is frequently mentioned alongside local destinations. It’s plausible someone unfamiliar with the area conflated the name with a nearby landmark or even incorrectly remembered the airport’s name. It’s easy to see how a visitor may misremember or misstate the airport name, linking it to a prominent Miami institution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Versailles Miami Airport a real airport?

No, there is no airport named Versailles Miami Airport. The name likely refers to the Opa-Locka Executive Airport (OPF) or stems from confusion with the famous Versailles Restaurant in Miami.

Where is the Opa-Locka Executive Airport located?

The Opa-Locka Executive Airport is located in Opa-Locka, Florida, which is in Miami-Dade County.

What services are available at Opa-Locka Executive Airport?

Opa-Locka Executive Airport offers a range of services, including fueling, hangar space, aircraft maintenance, and air traffic control. Fixed-base operators (FBOs) provide these services.

What type of flights are handled at Opa-Locka Executive Airport?

The airport primarily handles general aviation flights, including corporate aviation, flight training, and private pilot operations.

How does Opa-Locka Executive Airport help Miami International Airport?

Opa-Locka Executive Airport acts as a reliever airport for Miami International Airport (MIA). It handles general aviation traffic, reducing congestion at MIA and allowing it to focus on commercial flights.

Summary

There’s no airport called “Versailles Miami Airport.” The Opa-Locka Executive Airport (OPF) is the correct name for the general aviation airport serving the Miami area. It’s important for its economic impact and its role in reducing congestion at Miami International Airport. The confusion might arise from the famous Versailles restaurant in Miami being incorrectly associated with the airport.