Exploring The Gates Of Pgd Airport: An In-Depth Guide

Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) is a public airport located in Charlotte County, Florida, approximately three to four miles southeast of Punta Gorda. The airport currently has six gates, but it is undergoing an expansion that will increase the number of gates to ten. PGD offers an extensive network of direct flights to over 40 destinations, including cities in the eastern United States, the Midwest, and the Great Plains. With its convenient location and focus on low-cost flights, Punta Gorda Airport plays a crucial role in providing affordable air transportation to Southwest Florida, making it a popular choice for vacationers and seasonal residents alike.

Punta Gorda Airport's history and location

Punta Gorda Airport (IATA: PGD, ICAO: KPGD, FAA LID: PGD) is a public airport located three miles east of Punta Gorda, in Charlotte County, Florida. It is owned by the Charlotte County Airport Authority and was formerly called Charlotte County Airport. The airport currently has 6 gates, but is in the process of expanding, with plans to increase the number of gates to 10.

The history of Punta Gorda Airport dates back to the early 1940s when it was used as a military training base during World War II. In 1941, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began constructing an airfield on the current airport property as a combat pilot training base for the U.S. Army Air Forces' (USAAF) Third Air Force. The facility was named the Punta Gorda Army Airfield. By 1944, the base reached its peak, accommodating 1,000 personnel, including two squadrons of student pilots. The Punta Gorda Army Air Field was officially deactivated on September 1, 1945, after training an estimated 750 US pilots.

Following World War II, the airport complex was transferred to Charlotte County by the War Assets Administration. The Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners managed the airport until 1965, when the state of Florida created the Charlotte County Development Authority to operate and manage the airport and its surrounding commerce park.

Over the years, the airport has undergone several name changes and management updates. In 2010, the airport's name was officially changed from Charlotte County Airport to Punta Gorda Airport. The Bailey Terminal, named after the Bailey brothers who served in World War II and the Korean War, was opened in 2007 and expanded in 2015 to accommodate the growing number of passengers.

Today, Punta Gorda Airport is a vital transportation and economic hub for the region, offering low-cost, nonstop air service to more than 50 destinations through carriers such as Allegiant Air and Sun Country. The airport covers 1,934 acres of land and has three asphalt runways, with various parking, dining, and retail options available for passengers.

Airlines and destinations

Punta Gorda Airport (IATA: PGD, ICAO: KPGD, FAA LID: PGD) is located in Charlotte County, Florida, and is owned by the Charlotte County Airport Authority. The airport has six gates, but an expansion is underway to increase the number of gates to ten.

The airport has been used mainly for general aviation, but has recently started accommodating more scheduled airline services. The largest airline carrier at Punta Gorda Airport is Allegiant Air, which offers nonstop flights to 51 destinations. Sun Country Airlines is another airline that operates from the airport, providing low-cost, nonstop flights to over 50 destinations.

Some of the destinations served by Allegiant Air include:

• Akron/Canton
• Albany, New York
• Allentown
• Appleton
• Asheville
• Austin
• Belleville/St. Louis
• Cedar Rapids/Iowa City
• Charlotte/Concord
• Chattanooga
• Chicago–Midway
• Chicago/Rockford
• Cincinnati
• Columbus–Rickenbacker
• Dayton
• Des Moines
• Flint
• Fort Wayne
• Grand Rapids
• Harrisburg
• Huntington, West Virginia
• Indianapolis
• Kansas City
• Knoxville
• Lexington
• Louisville
• Minneapolis/St. Paul
• Nashville
• Newburgh
• Niagara Falls
• Peoria
• Pittsburgh
• Portsmouth
• Providence
• Savannah
• South Bend
• Springfield/Branson
• Springfield, Illinois
• Toledo
• Washington–Dulles

Allegiant Air also offers seasonal flights to the following destinations:

• Baltimore
• Bangor
• Elmira
• Moline/Quad Cities
• Norfolk
• Omaha
• Plattsburgh
• Rapid City
• Richmond
• Rochester, New York
• Sioux Falls
• St. Cloud, Minnesota
• Syracuse
• Traverse City

Sun Country Airlines operates seasonal flights to Minneapolis/St. Paul.

Transport to and from the airport

Punta Gorda Airport (IATA: PGD, ICAO: KPGD, FAA LID: PGD) is located approximately four miles southeast of Punta Gorda's city centre in Charlotte County, Florida. The airport is easily accessible by road, with clear directions provided from the south, north, and US 41/Tamiami Trail.

There are several transport options for travellers to and from the airport:

Taxis

Taxis are readily available at the airport, providing a convenient way to reach your destination.

Car Rentals

For those who prefer to drive themselves, car rental services are available at the airport. Popular options include Hertz Car Rental, which offers sanitized vehicles and the convenience of arranging drop-off at a different location.

Shuttles

Shuttle services, such as Jayride, provide a hassle-free way to get to and from the airport. They offer a range of options, including private cars, shared shuttles, and luxury vehicles, ensuring travellers can find a solution that suits their needs.

Public Transportation

While not directly mentioned, Punta Gorda Airport is likely served by local public transportation options, such as buses, that can be navigated with the help of services like Jayride.

Airline Shuttles

Some airlines, like Allegiant Air, offer their own shuttle services to and from the airport for added convenience to their passengers.

Ride-Sharing Services

Rideshare apps are also an option for travellers, providing an alternative to traditional taxis. However, surge pricing may be a factor to consider when using these services.

With these transport options, travellers can easily navigate to and from Punta Gorda Airport, ensuring a smooth journey.

Amenities and services

Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) is located in Charlotte County, Florida, and is a public airport that has been used for general aviation and scheduled airline services. The airport has six gates, with plans to expand to ten gates in the future.

PGD offers a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable and convenient travel experience for its passengers. Here is an overview of what travellers can expect:

Transportation

The airport provides a variety of transportation options for travellers to and from the airport. These include taxis, car rental services, shuttles, and private rides through services like Uber. The airport's rental car centre is conveniently located adjacent to the north side of the Bailey Terminal.

Parking

PGD offers both short-term and long-term parking options, which are situated close to the airport for added convenience.

Dining and Retail

The airport features dining options such as the SkyView Cafe, which offers food, cocktails, and general concessions. There is also a casual seating area inside the Bailey Terminal where passengers can relax and enjoy refreshments. Additionally, a gift shop is located inside the General Aviation Terminal for passengers to purchase last-minute gifts or souvenirs.

Other Services

PGD provides a range of other services to meet passengers' needs, including ATMs, postal services, shoe shining, recharging stations, and Wi-Fi connectivity. These services enhance the overall travel experience and cater to the diverse needs of travellers passing through the airport.

Accommodations

For travellers who require accommodations near the airport, there are numerous options available. Over ten hotels and motels are located within an eight-mile radius of PGD, ensuring convenience and accessibility for those with early departures or late arrivals.

Accessibility

The airport is easily accessible from various locations. From the south, travellers can take exit 161, while from the north, exit 164 is the most convenient option. Additionally, for those travelling via US 41/Tamiami Trail, a direct route to the airport can be found by turning onto Airport Road.

Economic Impact

PGD plays a vital role in the local economy, providing hundreds of onsite jobs and contributing over $1.7 billion in total economic output. The airport's growth has promoted tourism and improved travel options for residents and visitors alike, making it an important transportation and economic hub for the region.

Future expansion plans

Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) is currently undergoing a multi-phase expansion project called PGD AviEx. The project, which is expected to cost \$18 million, will include the construction of a new building, the renovation of the existing Bailey Terminal, and various airfield improvements.

The new building, which will be rectangular and constructed with cast concrete panels to keep costs low, will add 43,000 square feet of space and include four new gates and hold rooms. Ticketing, TSA screening, and bag screening will be located in the renovated Bailey Terminal, which will have two gates and hold rooms. The expansion will bring the total number of gates at the airport to ten.

The airfield improvements include the rehabilitation and extension of runways 4-22, 15-33, and 9-27, as well as the addition of an instrument landing system. A second fire truck has also been added to the airport's fleet, benefiting the general aviation side of the airport.

The airport is also in the process of expanding its parking facilities, with the first phase of improvements adding 200 to 400 new spaces, a new 50-car cellphone lot, employee parking, and overflow parking for customers. The ultimate size of the parking lot will depend on the bids received during the construction process.

In addition to these expansions and improvements, the airport is also seeking bids for a public full-service restaurant, bar, and caterer at the PGD Air Center. This would be the first sit-down restaurant on airport property, providing a new amenity for passengers.

The PGD AviEx expansion project is being funded through a combination of self-funding from Charlotte County Airport Authority revenues, funding from the Federal Aviation Administration, the Florida Department of Transportation, passenger facility charges, and customer facility charges.

Frequently asked questions