Lakeland Linder International Airport
The City of Lakeland began construction of a second airport in 1941, taking advantage of over $1 million in federal funds to help with the cost. The new airport, called Drane Field in honor of pioneer resident and former Congressman H.J. Drane, was located in southwest Lakeland. After the US entered into World War II, the US Army took over the airport and renamed it Lakeland Army Air Field. The base served as a training center for the 3rd Air Force for the duration of the war.
Soldiers Arrive to Lakeland from Fort Myers News Press 1942
Soldiers at Drane Field peel potatoes for the Mess Hall.
Bombardier Jeff Townsend at Drane Field in winter 1943.
Through the End of World War II
Drane Field served as a support field for MacDill Army Air Field and hosted pilots from the 3rd Bomber Command and later the 3rd Fighter Command. On April 30, 1945, the base was officially closed and placed in stand-by status. After the end of the war in August of 1945, the military begins to sell off useful equipment from the base. Buildings, including some of the barracks, were moved various locations throughout Lakeland where they served new purposes. The City of Lakeland received control of the base back from the military in 1946. National Airlines began flying passenger flights from Drane Field in 1947.
A Lakeland-trained B-25 Marauder crew in Tunisia.
Tampa Tribune newspaper article announces Drane Field's closure 1945.
Advertisement in the Tampa Tribune for sale of Drane Field Buildings 1947.
The Boys' Club of Lakeland purchased three Drane Field barracks to make a new clubhouse.
Lakeland Municipal Airport at Drane Field
The City of Lakeland sold its other airport, Lodwick Field, to raise funds to help improve Drane Field. The first terminal building was constructed and dedicated in 1960. Drane Field hosted its first airshow on March 12, 1960, to raise awareness of the new upgraded airport.
New Air terminal Ground Breaking, Lakeland Ledger, 1960
National Airlines hostesses greet the public during the opening airshow.
The public explores P-51 Mustangs during the terminal opening.
Growth through the 1960's and 1970's
The 1960’s and 70’s were times of growth and improvement at Drane Field. The first jet airplane landing and first helicopter flight occurred in 1962. Piper Aircraft Corporation picks Lakeland as the site of their new manufacturing facility for the Piper Navajo airplane, bringing hundreds of jobs to the area in 1973.
A view of various airplanes parked outside a hangar at Lakeland Municipal Airport.
Job Announcement at Piper's new Lakeland facility, Orlando Sentinel, 1976.
Article features two women working at Piper Aircraft Corp, Tampa Times, 1979.
Airshows and Changes
Drane Field hosted the first in a long-running series of airshows called the Mid-Winter Sun ‘n Fun in 1974. This event continues to this day and brings thousands of aviation enthusiasts to Lakeland each year.
Construction of a long-sought-after air traffic control tower began in 1979, with expansion of airport facilities continuing throughout the 1980’s. The airport was renamed Lakeland Regional Airport in 1989. It was renamed once again in 1990 for local business entrepreneur and aviation enthusiast, Paul Scott Linder (1921-1990).
Mike Junkin, an air traffic controller, works in the new tower.
Advertisement for a National Antique Airplane Association Fly-In, 1971.
Sticker advertising the Sun n' Fun Fly-In, 1976.
Continued Growth and New Opportunities
The airport was expanded in the 1990’s, culminating with the construction of a new terminal building in 2000. To help educate the next generation of aviation professionals, the Central Florida Aerospace Academy (CFAA) opened to students in 2009, and the Aerospace Center for Excellence opens to students in 2021.
in 2017 the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) began a twenty year lease for space at the airport. The airport continued to expand and improve, culminating with the arrival of Amazon Air to Lakeland in 2020.
Men formerly stationed at Drane Field attend a reunion at the airport in 1990.
The Hurricane Hunters base part of its airplane fleet in Lakeland in 2017.
The first Amazon Air flight lands at Lakeland in October 2020.
