Sarasota Airport: Size, Scope, And Scale Explored

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is a medium-sized airport located in Florida, USA. The airport is situated on a 1,102-acre plot of land and is approximately six miles from Bradenton and three miles north of downtown Sarasota. SRQ is a self-sufficient special independent district with no ad valorem taxing authority and generates its revenues from daily business operations. The airport has two terminals, B and D, with Terminal B being the largest, featuring thirteen gates. Sarasota Bradenton International Airport has experienced significant growth in recent years, with an increase in passenger numbers and the number of cities served.

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport's history

The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, also known as SRQ, is located within three jurisdictions: Sarasota County, the city limits of Sarasota, and Manatee County, in the U.S. state of Florida. The airport is situated on the Sarasota-Manatee County line, approximately four miles north of downtown Sarasota and six miles south of Bradenton.

The history of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport dates back to the late 1930s. Before the construction of the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport, both Sarasota and Bradenton had their own airfields. Bradenton's airfield, known as Bradenton Airport, was established between 1935 and 1937, while Sarasota had Lowe Field, which was dedicated on January 12, 1929, and opened on March 12.

In 1939, government and business leaders from Sarasota and Manatee counties agreed to construct a joint airport to serve the aviation needs of the two-county area. A 620-acre site was selected on the county line through a Federal WPA-CCA Grant, and construction of the Sarasota-Bradenton Airport began. The airport opened in 1940 with a cost of nearly one million dollars. During World War II, the airport was leased to the Army Air Corps as a fighter pilot training base, and the federal government spent several million dollars on improvements, also adding another 250 acres to the airport land.

In May 1941, the Sarasota Manatee Joint Airport Authority was established, consisting of representatives from Sarasota County, Manatee County, the City of Sarasota, and the City of Bradenton. The airport's IATA airport code, "SRQ", became widely used as a general nickname for the Sarasota area.

In the post-war years, the airport facilities deteriorated, and the Authority recognized the need for improved maintenance and management. In 1955, the Florida Legislature passed the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority Act, granting the Authority Members powers to maintain and improve the facilities, adopt bylaws and policies, accept grants, and make zoning regulations. This led to several significant developments, including the opening of a new terminal building in 1959, which served approximately 22,000 annual passengers in its first year.

Over the following decades, the airport continued to undergo expansions and improvements, including runway extensions and the addition of new airlines. In November 1992, the airport's name was officially changed to Sarasota Bradenton International Airport when the U.S. Customs Service granted it "Port of Entry" status. The airport has continued to grow and expand its facilities, focusing on providing a convenient and stress-free experience for its passengers.

The airport's size and location

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is a medium-sized airport located in Florida, US. It is situated on the Sarasota-Manatee County line, around three miles north of downtown Sarasota and six miles from Bradenton. The airport is about 30 miles south of the larger Tampa International Airport. It occupies 1102 acres of land and has a thirty-foot elevation.

The airport's history dates back to 1939 when government and business leaders from Sarasota and Manatee counties agreed to construct an aviation facility serving both counties. Initially, a 620-acre site was chosen, but during World War II, the federal government added another 250 acres to the airport land. Over the years, the airport has undergone several improvements, including the construction of a new terminal building in 1959, parallel taxiway and runway overlay in 1963, and runway extensions in the 1970s and 2000s.

The airport has two intersecting runways, RWYs 04/22 and 14/32, and multiple taxiways (TWYs). The main runway, RWY 14-32, was extended to 9,500 feet in 2001, enabling it to accommodate flights to the US, Canada, and Europe. The airport consists of two terminals, B and D, with Terminal B being the largest, featuring thirteen gates. The spacious terminal building offers convenient amenities, including airline ticketing, baggage claim, and short and long-term parking lots adjacent to the main concourse.

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is a busy hub, serving eleven airlines and handling a growing number of passengers each year. In 2022, the airport reported one million passengers in just the first three months. The airport's growth is attributed to the increasing population in the region and its convenience for residents of southwest Florida. The airport has also seen the addition of new airlines, contributing to competitive ticket pricing.

Terminal and runway details

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is a medium-sized airport with two terminals, B and D, and two intersecting runways. Terminal B is the largest, with thirteen gates. The airport covers 1,102 acres of land, with a thirty-foot elevation. The main runway, 14-32, was extended to 9,503 feet in 2001 and can accommodate flights to the US, Canada, and Europe. The airport also has a history of continuous development, with a new terminal building opened in 1959, a runway extension in the early 1970s, and various improvements to meet the demands of growing passenger numbers.

The airport's history dates back to 1939 when Sarasota and Manatee counties agreed to construct an aviation facility. Initially, a 620-acre site was selected, but during World War II, the federal government expanded the airport by adding 250 acres. The airport facilities underwent significant changes in the post-war years, with the Florida Legislature passing the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority Act in 1955, enabling the Authority Members to undertake improvements.

The airport's configuration consists of two intersecting runways, 04/22 and 14/32, with parallel taxiways. The airspace at SRQ is designated as Class C, with a 4000' MSL ceiling. The airport is located on Florida's west coast, approximately 30 miles south of Tampa International Airport, providing a convenient gateway for international business and general aviation flights.

SRQ's terminal is designed for passenger convenience, offering a stress-free experience with easily accessible services. Airline ticketing, baggage claim, and short and long-term parking lots are all conveniently located near the main concourse. The airport has also witnessed significant growth in passenger numbers, with a reported increase of 57.30% in 2022 compared to 2021. This growth can be attributed to the increasing population in the region and the airport's appeal as a convenient travel option.

In summary, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport's terminal and runway details showcase a well-designed, medium-sized airport that caters to the aviation needs of the region. With continuous development and a focus on passenger convenience, SRQ plays a crucial role in facilitating travel to and from southwest Florida.

Parking and transport facilities

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is located on Florida's west coast and is about 30 miles south of the larger Tampa International Airport. The airport is conveniently designed with a spacious terminal that allows for smooth and easy movement. Airline ticketing, baggage claim, and other services are easily accessible from the main concourse, and both short-term and long-term parking lots are adjacent to the main terminal.

Short-term parking is available directly across the terminal building. There is a free parking shuttle operating between the long-term lot and all overflow parking lots once the long-term lot is full. The shuttle service to the front of the terminal is available from two hours before the first morning departure until after the last scheduled arrival flight, even if delayed. The airport provides four automated exit lanes at the Parking Toll Plaza, which accept American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards.

SRQ offers a shaded parking lot with over 400 covered parking spaces in a secure, fenced, and well-lit area. This lot can be accessed by turning right before reaching the terminal building from Airport Circle. The parking facility has an automated exit that exclusively accepts credit card payments and does not have staffed exit booths. An intercom system is available for emergencies.

SRQ also provides eight Level 2 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Additionally, there are off-airport parking options available at nearby hotels, such as the Hilton Garden Inn Sarasota-Bradenton Airport, which offers complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport. These off-site parking packages often include flexible reservation modifications.

Passenger statistics

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, also known as SRQ, is a medium-sized airport located in Florida. It is situated on a 620-acre site that was selected in 1939, with additional land added during World War II, bringing the total size to 870 acres. The airport has a convenient and spacious terminal with short check-in lines and easy navigation.

In 2022, the airport reported one million passengers in just the first three months, showcasing a 57.30% increase in airline passengers from the previous year. This rapid growth has led to the need for expansion, with the airport planning to create over 1,400 new parking spaces and a new ground transportation center. The number of destinations served by the airport has also increased, with nonstop flights to more than 53 destinations, contributing to its popularity.

The airport has two terminals, B and D, with Terminal B being the largest and offering 13 gates. The main runway, Runway 14-32, was extended to 9,500 feet in 2001, allowing it to accommodate flights to various destinations in the US, Canada, and Europe. The addition of new airlines, such as Allegiant, Frontier, and Jet Blue, has also contributed to the increase in passenger traffic, as they offer competitive ticket pricing.

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport's growth and development have been influenced by its convenient location, efficient operations, and the rising demand for air travel in the region. The airport's focus on passenger experience and continuous improvement makes it a preferred choice for travellers in southwest Florida.

Frequently asked questions