Panama City–Bay County International Airport, former airport serving Panama City, Florida
Panama City-Bay County International Airport was a regional airport in Florida that handled both domestic and some international flights. The facility featured a straightforward terminal with ticket counters, baggage claim areas, and shops, along with runways designed to accommodate various aircraft types.
The airport opened in 1932 as Atkinson Field, named after the landowner J.B. Atkinson Jr., and later became Fannin Field after Harry G. Fannin, a local mayor. It served as Coastal Patrol Base 14 during World War II and eventually achieved international airport status in the 1990s with customs and immigration facilities.
The airport served as a gathering point where residents and visitors began their journeys, shaping memories of arrivals and departures over many decades. Local staff created a sense of familiarity, with many working there for years and becoming recognized faces to regular travelers.
The airport terminal was small and easy to navigate, with clear signage and information booths to help with check-in, security, and boarding procedures. It is helpful to prepare travel documents in advance and confirm flight times, as the drive time into downtown Panama City was short.
A memorable feature was that local musicians occasionally played live music during busy weekends in the terminal, providing entertainment for waiting passengers. This unexpected artistic touch set it apart from typical airport experiences.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
