Airport Overview
Northeast Florida Regional Airport (FAA/ICAO identifier SGJ/KSGJ, IATA UST) lies about 4 miles north of downtown St. Augustine in St. Johns County, Florida. Owned and operated by the St. Johns County Airport Authority, it serves as the general-aviation and business-aviation gateway for the nation's oldest city and the surrounding Atlantic beach communities. The field traces its roots to a World War II-era naval air station, and its primary runway was later extended for military jet use.
Runway Capability
The main asphalt runway, 13/31, runs roughly 8,000 feet and supports the full range of business jets, including super-midsize, heavy, and ultra-long-range aircraft under typical conditions. The two crosswind runways (06/24 and 02/20) are short, sub-3,000-foot strips suited to piston and light traffic rather than jets. With a control tower, an ILS, and RNAV approaches, the airport handles instrument operations reliably.
Customs & International Arrivals
Northeast Florida Regional is a designated U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance location, making it a true international port of entry for private aircraft arriving from the Bahamas, Caribbean, and beyond. CBP service is by appointment; clearance is typically available Thursday through Monday during posted afternoon-to-evening hours, so crews flying internationally should arrange CBP and request landing-rights coordination in advance.
FBO & Ground Services
Atlantic Aviation operates the airport's full-service FBO, offering Jet-A and 100LL fuel, hangar and ramp parking, ground power, oxygen service, a passenger terminal, crew cars, and rental-car arrangements. The airport authority also maintains a management office on the field. Atlantic typically coordinates international handling and customs scheduling for arriving crews.
Charter Considerations
For charter clients, Northeast Florida Regional offers a fast, congestion-free alternative to Jacksonville International (JAX) about 35 miles north, with a short drive to St. Augustine's historic district, golf resorts, and Atlantic beaches. The long primary runway means most charter aircraft can depart at full payload, and the FBO ramp allows direct vehicle-to-aircraft transfers without commercial-terminal delays.
Seasonal & Operational Factors
Florida's First Coast brings warm, humid conditions much of the year. The main operational consideration is convective weather: afternoon thunderstorms build rapidly during the warm season, often peaking between early afternoon and early evening, so morning departures generally offer the smoothest conditions. Field elevation near sea level keeps density-altitude effects minimal year-round.
Regional Context
Northeast Florida Regional anchors private aviation between Jacksonville and Daytona Beach. Nearby relievers and alternates include Craig Municipal (KCRG) near Jacksonville and the larger Jacksonville International (KJAX) for airline connections, but St. Augustine's combination of an 8,000-foot runway, on-field customs, a control tower, and proximity to coastal resorts makes it the preferred choice for jet traffic serving the area.