New scheduled service begins on Nov. 27 with one-way flights starting at $199, same-day Key West trips and private charter water landings at The Perry Marina
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Oct. 8, 2026) — South Florida travelers will soon have a new way to reach Key West without spending more than three hours on the Overseas Highway. Tropic Ocean Airways today announced new scheduled flights between Fort Lauderdale and Key West, beginning Nov. 27, with one-way fares starting at $199 per person. The approximately one-hour flights will operate Thursday through Sunday, with preview service available during Fantasy Fest weekends, Oct. 16-18 and Oct. 23-25.
Unlike traditional commercial flights, the route operates private terminal to private terminal, departing from Tropic Ocean Airways at Sheltair Aviation at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and arriving at Signature Aviation at Key West International Airport (EYW), so passengers bypass commercial terminals and crowds entirely. The airline will also be introducing private charter water landings at The Perry Marina in Key West.
Tropic Ocean Airways passengers enjoy all the perks of private aviation: arrive just 30 minutes before departure, receive complimentary valet and multi-day parking, baggage allowance with every seat, access to a private lobby with Wi-Fi, snacks and beverages and pet-friendly travel.
“For South Floridians, Key West is close enough for a getaway, but the drive can make even a short trip feel like a commitment,” said Jason Schmidt, CEO of Tropic Ocean Airways. “We saw an opportunity to deliver a unique experience and make Key West feel dramatically closer. Travelers can leave Fort Lauderdale in the morning, be in Key West about an hour later and even return home that evening.”
Keys West Becomes a Day Trip from South Florida
With the launch of the route, Tropic Ocean Airways is also introducing Keys in a Day, a same-day getaway designed for South Florida travelers who want to experience Key West without spending hours driving or booking a hotel. Guests arrive at Tropic Ocean Airways’ private Fort Lauderdale lobby just 30 minutes before departure, take off in the morning, and land at Signature Aviation’s private terminal in Key West. They have eight hours to explore Old Town, dine, shop, visit local attractions or get out on the water, and return home in South Florida by early evening.
Priced at $500 per person roundtrip, Keys in a Day includes:
- Roundtrip flight with Tropic Ocean Airways, departing and returning on the same calendar day
- Complimentary valet parking
- Private lobby with Wi-Fi, snacks, and beverages
Private Charter Water Landings at The Perry Marina
For travelers seeking Tropic Ocean Airways’ signature seaplane experience, the airline is also introducing private charter landings at The Perry Marina on Stock Island, with sweeping views of the Florida Keys on approach. Unlike the scheduled Fort Lauderdale-Key West flights, which arrive at Key West International Airport, the private charter service allows guests to approach Key West by water. Tropic Ocean Airways is working with Integra Investments to construct a dedicated seaplane dock at The Perry Marina. Until the dock is completed, private charter guests arriving by seaplane will be transferred by boat to the marina.
Fort Lauderdale-Key West Flight Details
- Departure: Tropic Ocean Airways at Sheltair Aviation, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
- Arrival: Signature Aviation, Key West International Airport (EYW)
- Launch Date: November 27, 2026
- Schedule: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Flight time: Approximately one hour
- Fantasy Fest preview service: Oct. 16–18 and Oct. 23–25, 2026
- One-way fares: Starting at $199 per person
- Day Trips: Keys in a Day, $500 per person, roundtrip on the same calendar day
- Private Charter: Water landings at The Perry Marina, Key West
- Reservations and information: FlyTropic.com
This new Key West service expands Tropic Ocean Airways’ growing network of scheduled and private charter flights across Florida and The Bahamas, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to connecting travelers to hard-to-reach destinations in comfort and style.
About Tropic Ocean Airways
Tropic Ocean Airways is a South Florida-based airline providing scheduled flights, private charters, and day trips throughout The Bahamas, Florida Keys, and coastal destinations across the region. Founded in 2009, Tropic Ocean is the world’s largest commercial amphibious airline, with two pilots operating every flight and an ARGUS Gold safety rating.
Known for its signature water landings and personalized travel experience, Tropic Ocean Airways serves airports, resorts, marinas, private residences and remote destinations throughout the region. Guests enjoy private terminals, scenic, low-altitude flights and convenient access to destinations that can be difficult to reach through traditional commercial air travel. For more information, visit FlyTropic.com and follow Tropic Ocean Airways on Instagram, and Facebook at @FlyTropic.
