Private Jet Charter to Key West | The Southernmost Island Gateway

Fly Private to Key West

Key West sits at the end of the Florida Keys, 160 miles south of Miami and closer to Havana than to the mainland. The island has drawn a specific type of traveller for more than a century, from Hemingway and Truman to the yachting, fishing, and creative communities that define the town today. For ParaFlight clients heading to Old Town, the Historic Seaport, Sunset Key, or any of the private residences along the Atlantic and Gulf waterfronts, Key West International Airport (KEYW) is the only arrival point. The airport handles a steady stream of private charter movements alongside its commercial operations, with a dedicated executive FBO distinct from the commercial terminal.

Key West International sits on the eastern side of the island, placing you approximately 5 to 15 minutes from Old Town, Duval Street, and the Historic Seaport by car, and approximately 10 to 15 minutes from the Casa Marina and the Waldorf Astoria-managed Reach. Signature Flight Support operates the primary FBO with a private lounge, ramp-side vehicle access, and efficient handling. For clients heading to Sunset Key, the FBO coordinates the short boat transfer from the Key West harbour.

Key West rewards travellers who arrive without commercial friction. From a suite at Casa Marina, a cottage at the Marker, or a residence on Sunset Key, to a morning charter out of the Key West Bight for tarpon or permit, dinner at Café Solé or Latitudes on Sunset Key, an evening walk through Mallory Square at sunset, and a Saturday onward to the Dry Tortugas or back up to Miami for a connecting flight, the island operates on a pace entirely its own. Private charter is the only way to arrive on that pace.

Why Key West?

• The KEYW advantage: Key West International is the only airport on the island. Approximately 5 to 15 minutes from Old Town and the harbour, with Signature's FBO providing a private, efficient arrival that bypasses the commercial terminal entirely.
• No Overseas Highway required: The alternative to flying is a 4-hour drive from Miami along US-1 through the Keys. Private charter eliminates the transfer entirely, placing you on the island in approximately 45 minutes from Miami or Opa-locka by Light Jet.
• A defining fishing and yachting destination: Key West remains one of the premier saltwater fishing destinations in North America, with tarpon, permit, bonefish, and offshore game fish all within reach of the harbour. The island's marina infrastructure supports charter vessels of all sizes.
• Year-round access with a defining winter calendar: Key West runs at a high base level year-round, with peak demand from November through April driven by the northern winter migration. Fantasy Fest in late October, the Key West Literary Seminar in January, and the fishing tournament calendar all draw specific private aviation demand.
• A natural pair with Miami and the wider Caribbean: Key West connects easily to Miami, the Bahamas, and Cuba (subject to regulatory requirements). ParaFlight builds multi-leg itineraries as a single coordinated booking.

Arrive in Style

For most ParaFlight clients, Key West International is the default and only arrival point on the island. Signature Flight Support operates the primary FBO with a private arrival lounge, ramp-side vehicle access, and the kind of relaxed, efficient handling that suits the island's character. Your car, whether a Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes SUV, or a vintage convertible, meets you within metres of the aircraft steps.

From the FBO, the drive to Old Town and Duval Street runs approximately 5 to 15 minutes via South Roosevelt Boulevard. The Casa Marina and the Reach are within the same window. For clients heading to Sunset Key, the FBO coordinates the boat transfer from the Key West harbour, which takes approximately 10 minutes. ParaFlight arranges chauffeured ground transport, boat transfers, sport fishing charter coordination from the Bight, and onward connections to Miami, the Bahamas, or the Dry Tortugas.

Suggested Aircraft

For charter to Key West, ParaFlight typically recommends Light Jets and Turbo Props for shorter routes from Florida, and Midsize Jets for routes from the wider East Coast and Southeast. KEYW has a runway of approximately 4,801 feet, which accommodates Light Jets and most Turbo Props comfortably, with Midsize Jets subject to weight and performance considerations. Super Midsize and Heavy Jets exceed the runway capability and are typically routed into Miami or Opa-locka with onward Light Jet or Turbo Prop connection to Key West. Our team will match the right aircraft and routing to your group size and itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I arrange private jet charter to Key West?

Contact ParaFlight directly and our team will source the right aircraft for your group size, departure point, and schedule. We handle the aircraft, FBO coordination at Signature, ground transport, boat transfers, and any in-flight catering. For clients arriving on larger aircraft, we coordinate the two-leg routing via Miami with the onward Key West connection built into a single booking. Get in touch to start planning.

Which aircraft types are recommended for Key West?

This depends on your departure point and group size. For Key West, we typically recommend Light Jets for routes from Florida and the Southeast, and Midsize Jets for the wider East Coast subject to runway considerations. Super Midsize and Heavy Jets cannot operate into KEYW due to the runway length. For clients flying on those larger aircraft, the standard routing uses Miami or Opa-locka with onward Light Jet or Turbo Prop connection. Our team will advise on the best combination for your specific trip.

Are there aircraft restrictions at Key West International Airport?

Yes. KEYW has a runway of approximately 4,801 feet, which accommodates Light Jets and most Turbo Props comfortably. Midsize Jets can operate subject to weight and performance approval, but Super Midsize and Heavy Jets are excluded. ParaFlight works with operators experienced in Key West operations and, for clients on larger aircraft, builds the two-leg routing via Miami or Opa-locka as a single coordinated booking.

How long is the flight to Key West from other major U.S. cities?

Flight times vary by aircraft and winds, but typical non-stop times from key departure points are approximately: Miami 45 minutes, Atlanta 1 hour 45 minutes, New York 3 hours, Dallas 3 hours, and Chicago 3 hours. For the largest cabin classes routed via Miami, add approximately 45 minutes for the onward connection. Our team will confirm exact timings for your specific itinerary.

Can ParaFlight coordinate fishing charters and onward connections from Key West?

Yes. Key West is one of the premier saltwater fishing destinations in North America. We coordinate sport fishing charters out of the Key West Bight and Garrison Bight marinas, including tarpon, permit, bonefish, and offshore game fish excursions. For onward travel, we arrange Light Jet or Turbo Prop connections from KEYW to Miami, the Bahamas, and onward Caribbean destinations, all built as a single coordinated itinerary.