Daytona Beach International Airport drives regional growth with $3.2 billion impact.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

The Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) has firmly established itself as a convenient local air travel option but also serves as a robust economic engine driving growth in Volusia County. According to the latest economic impact study conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in 2022, the county-managed airport contributes a staggering $3.2 billion to the regional economy every year.

According to a release, to reach the figure, FDOT looked at both direct and indirect economic impacts in four primary categories: on-airport activity, visitor spending, industry reliance, and military spending. The study also considered a carefully crafted multiplier to measure the dollars generated from flights in and out of DAB and dollars spent throughout the community by visitors originating as airport passengers. Payroll tied to employment centers based on the airfield is another factor, with the impacts of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Daytona International Speedway were also included in the calculation.

"Beyond its vital air service contributions, Daytona Beach International Airport has proven to be a catalyst for economic growth in our community. With its strategic location and prime airfield real estate, the airport has attracted diverse industries that create job opportunities and stimulate local business development," said Cyrus Callum, Director of Aviation & Economic Resources for Volusia County Government. "Our airfield properties provide essential access and support for aviation service facilities, corporate hangars, and several renowned flight training schools. The airport's far-reaching economic impact extends beyond the skies, positioning our region as a thriving hub for commerce and innovation."

The latest figure for 2022 reflects a substantial increase compared to the previous study in 2019, which reported DAB's economic impact at $2.1 billion and tripled since the 2014 study, which measured DAB's economic impact at $1.1 billion.