Exploring Sarasota Airport: Efficient Access With Multiple Gates

The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, also known as SRQ, is located in the US state of Florida. It is a small hub airport with 18 gates across two concourses. SRQ has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with passenger numbers increasing from 1.2 million in 2019 to over 3.1 million in 2021. To accommodate this growth, the airport has undergone expansion, including the addition of a new concourse with five gates, bringing the total number of gates to 18.

Sarasota Airport has 18 gates in total

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport has 18 gates in total. The airport, also known as SRQ, is located in Sarasota, Florida, and is a public international airport. It is owned by the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority and is within three jurisdictions: Sarasota County, the city limits of Sarasota, and Manatee County.

The airport has one terminal building with two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. Before the construction of Concourse A in 2025, the airport had 13 gates, all of which were in Concourse B. Now, Concourse A has five gates (Gates A4-A8), while Concourse B has 13 gates (Gates B1-B12, B14).

Concourse A is a ground-level concourse used exclusively by Allegiant Air. Concourse B is located on the second level of the terminal and is used by all other airlines. All gates in Concourse B have jet bridges, and customs and immigration services for international flights are located on the lower level.

The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is known for its smooth check-ins, security, and baggage claims, with rare queues and friendly staff. The airport has seen significant growth in recent years and is one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States. To accommodate this growth, the airport broke ground on a second concourse in March 2023, which added five new gates and increased passenger capacity by 2.5 million.

The airport offers a range of amenities, including dining, shopping, and Wi-Fi options. It also provides easy parking services, with both short-term and long-term parking options available. Overall, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport's 18 gates serve as a vital link to Florida's beautiful Gulf Coast region.

Concourse A has 5 or 6 gates

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is located in Florida, within three jurisdictions: Sarasota County, the city of Sarasota, and Manatee County. SRQ is a public international airport that has been serving the Gulf Coast region since the 1930s.

SRQ has one main terminal with two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. The main terminal houses the ticketing counters, baggage claim, and security checkpoints.

Concourse A provides a pleasant and convenient travel experience. It features a bar, a café, a restaurant, and a marketplace, ensuring travellers have access to a variety of dining and shopping options. The concourse is easily navigable, with clear signs and displays directing passengers to their gates. Additionally, information desks are located throughout the concourse to provide any necessary assistance.

The opening of Concourse A in January 2025 marked a significant milestone in the history of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, reflecting its growth and evolution to meet the demands of modern air travel.

Concourse B has 9 or 13 gates

The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is located in Florida, United States, and is known for its rich history, dating back to the 1930s. The airport has witnessed significant growth and expansion over the years, catering to the increasing passenger demand.

SRQ airport has one main terminal that houses the ticketing counters, baggage claim, and security checkpoints. This terminal includes two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. While Concourse A is a more recent addition with five to six gates, exclusively serving Delta Air Lines, Concourse B has been a part of the original terminal and accommodates other airlines.

Concourse B in the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is a bustling area with 13 gates labelled B1 to B12 and B14. These gates are located on the second level of the terminal and are used by airlines such as Allegiant Air, American Airlines, and JetBlue Airways. The airlines operating from Concourse B contribute to the airport's overall capacity of about 5 million annual travellers.

The design of Concourse B in SRQ airport ensures convenience and efficiency for passengers. All gates in this concourse are equipped with jet bridges, providing easy boarding for travellers. Additionally, Concourse B houses Customs and Immigration services for international flights on its lower level. This centralised location simplifies the process for passengers arriving from or departing to international destinations.

The expansion of SRQ airport, including the addition of Concourse A, has been a response to the growing passenger traffic. With this expansion, the airport aims to increase its overall capacity to accommodate upwards of 7 million passengers annually. While Concourse A serves as a ground-level concourse, Concourse B is elevated, providing convenient access to various airlines.

In summary, Concourse B in the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is a vital component of the airport's operations, serving multiple airlines and offering efficient passenger services. With 13 gates, Concourse B plays a crucial role in handling the airport's significant passenger traffic and contributing to its overall capacity.

The airport is expanding to accommodate more passengers

The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is expanding to accommodate more passengers. The airport has been experiencing explosive year-over-year passenger growth, with pandemic-fuelled interest in visiting and relocating to the Sarasota-Bradenton area. To meet this demand, the airport broke ground on its first major expansion on March 27, 2023, with the addition of a new concourse, known as Concourse A, which opened in January 2025. This new concourse adds five new gates, bringing the total number of gates at the airport to 18. The expansion also includes a bar, café, restaurant, and marketplace, and is expected to increase passenger capacity by 2.5 million.

The expansion project cost $72 million and was completed in just under two years, which is considered supersonic speed in airport expansion terms. The project included the addition of a ground-based boarding facility, with passengers boarding and disembarking aircraft directly outside on the tarmac, similar to operations at Punta Gorda and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airports. This method of boarding was chosen as it is faster and more cost-effective than building jet bridges and a two-story facility.

The new concourse also includes four dedicated TSA lines, with room and the need for one more. The existing concourse, now known as Concourse B, has five TSA checkpoints.

The expansion of the airport is expected to continue, with plans for an elevated concourse to connect Concourse A and Concourse B, which will include four more traditional gates and an additional TSA checkpoint. This next phase of expansion will bring the airport's total capacity to about 7 million passengers per year.

In addition to the new concourse, other improvements have been made to the airport to accommodate more passengers. This includes the expansion of its long-term parking lot, the addition of a fifth security checkpoint lane, and the addition of two new 100,000-gallon jet fuel tanks. Further expansion projects are also planned, including the addition of a sixth security checkpoint lane, a new ground transportation area for pick-ups and drop-offs, and the improvement of the concession area.

The Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is committed to accommodating the increasing number of passengers and maintaining its reputation for providing a convenient and easygoing passenger experience.

The airport has a reputation for smooth check-ins and security

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport has a reputation for smooth check-ins and security. The airport is located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, serving as a vital link to the region's beautiful beaches and attractions. With a rich history dating back to the 1930s, the airport offers a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for both leisure and business travellers.

The airport's single terminal building houses ticketing counters, baggage claim, and security checkpoints, with gates B1-B14 all within walking distance. The airport recommends arriving at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight and two hours before an international flight. Passengers can easily navigate the airport by following signs and overhead displays, and information desks are located throughout for additional assistance.

The efficiency of the airport's operations is reflected in its reputation for smooth check-ins and security. Queues are rare, and staff members are generally friendly and helpful. The airport's design and layout contribute to this smooth experience, with all necessary services conveniently located.

The airport's security measures are also well-regarded. The Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority Police Department is an independent law enforcement agency that ensures the security and protection of the airport's assets, including the terminals, tarmac, and runways. They are authorised to conduct investigations and make arrests within both Sarasota and Manatee counties, providing comprehensive security coverage.

In addition to efficient check-ins and security, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport also offers a range of amenities to enhance the traveller's experience. These include dining options, shopping venues, and free Wi-Fi. The airport is also known for its clean and well-maintained facilities, contributing to an overall pleasant travel experience.

The airport's smooth check-in and security processes are a result of its efficient design, dedicated staff, and focus on passenger convenience. With its seamless operations and attention to detail, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport ensures a stress-free and enjoyable journey for travellers visiting the beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida.

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