Rsw Airport: What's In A Name?

Southwest Florida International Airport, also known as RSW, is a major airport in the South Fort Myers area of unincorporated Lee County, Florida. The airport code RSW stands for Regional South-West, dating back to when the airport first opened in 1983 as the Southwest Regional Airport. The airport's name was changed to Southwest Florida International Airport in 1993 to reflect its growing international service to and from Canada.

RSW stands for Regional Southwest

The airport is easily accessible, with quick access to Interstate 75 and U.S. 41, making it a convenient option for travellers. RSW offers a range of amenities, including retail shops, food options, ample seating, and free wifi. It also provides additional amenities like wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and designated parking areas.

The Southwest Florida International Airport is committed to providing exceptional travel experiences while serving as the region's commercial air service hub. With its beautiful setting, convenient location, and array of amenities, RSW is a popular choice for travellers visiting the Southwest Florida region.

The airport has a rich history, initially named the Southwest Regional Airport when it opened in 1983. The name was changed to Southwest Florida International Airport in 1993 to reflect its growing international services. Today, RSW continues to be a vital transportation hub, connecting travellers to the Southwest Florida region and beyond.

The airport is located in Fort Myers, Florida

The airport is located on a large swath of land, covering 13,555 acres, making it the third-largest airport in the country by land size. It is also one of the busiest, having served over 10 million passengers in 2023, and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. The airport has a single runway, which is 12,000 feet long, and a modern terminal with ample seating, charging stations, and free wifi.

The airport is owned and operated by the Lee County Port Authority, which was established in 1987. The authority is governed by a five-member Board of Port Commissioners, who are elected for four-year terms by voters in Lee County.

The airport offers a range of facilities and amenities, including retail shops, food options, and ground transportation options. It is served by 16 airline partners, providing nonstop service throughout the U.S. and international service to Canada and Germany. With its convenient location and range of services, the Southwest Florida International Airport is a popular choice for travellers visiting the Southwest Florida region.

Southwest Florida International Airport is one of the newest airports in the US

Southwest Florida International Airport, also known as RSW, is one of the newest airports in the United States. The airport is located in Fort Myers, Florida, and serves the Southwest Florida region, including the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Naples-Marco Island, and Punta Gorda metropolitan areas. With its opening in May 1983, the airport has become a major gateway to this popular leisure destination, known for its beautiful weather, outdoor activities, and pristine beaches.

The construction of the airport began in 1980, and it opened on schedule on May 14, 1983, as Southwest Florida Regional Airport. The name was changed to Southwest Florida International Airport in 1993 to reflect its growing international service, including flights to Canada and Germany. The airport code RSW stands for "Regional South-West," reflecting the region it serves.

Spanning 13,555 acres, RSW is the third-largest airport in the United States in terms of land size, after Denver and Dallas/Fort Worth. The airport features a single 12,000-foot runway and a modern terminal complex that opened in 2005. The terminal covers 798,000 square feet and includes 28 gates across three concourses, offering a convenient and comfortable travel experience for its passengers.

RSW is committed to providing exceptional travel experiences while serving the region's commercial air service needs. The airport is easily accessible, with quick connections to Interstate 75 and U.S. 41, making it a popular choice for travellers. In 2023, RSW served more than 10 million passengers and is ranked among the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic. The airport is served by 16 airline partners, offering nonstop service throughout the U.S. and international destinations.

The Lee County Port Authority, established in 1987, operates Southwest Florida International Airport. The Port Authority is governed by a five-member Board of Port Commissioners, who are elected for four-year terms by voters in Lee County. The Airports Special Management Committee serves as an advisory board, reviewing policies and administrative matters for the airport.

The airport covers 13,555 acres of land

Southwest Florida International Airport (IATA: RSW, ICAO: KRSW, FAA LID: RSW) is a major airport in the South Fort Myers area of unincorporated Lee County, Florida. The airport covers 13,555 acres of land, making it the third-largest airport in the United States in terms of land size, after Denver and Dallas/Fort Worth. With a total area of 21.2 square miles, the airport is a significant presence in the region.

The vast land coverage of the airport is due in part to its conservation efforts. 6,000 acres of the land have been set aside as swamp lands for environmental mitigation. This dedication to preserving the natural environment surrounding the airport is a notable feature of its land usage.

The airport's location was carefully selected to provide easy access to the Southwest Florida region. It is situated just southeast of Fort Myers, about 10 miles from the city centre, and is easily accessible via Interstate 75. This convenient location has made it a popular gateway for travellers to the region, including the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Naples-Marco Island, and Punta Gorda metropolitan areas.

The airport's single terminal covers 798,000 square feet and features 28 gates across three concourses (B, C, and D). While the terminal building is relatively compact compared to other international airports, the expansive land area allows for future expansion. The current design capacity is 10 million passengers per year, but the terminal can be incrementally expanded to accommodate up to 65 gates on five concourses (A-E).

The large area of land occupied by the airport also includes ample parking options for travellers. There are more than 11,000 parking spaces available, with both short-term and long-term parking options offered. The short-term parking garage is located right next to the terminal building, providing a quick walk to the airport, while a shuttle service connects the long-term parking lot to the terminal.

In addition to its functional facilities, the airport also boasts an impressive array of shopping and dining options. From luxury brands to local boutiques, travellers can enjoy a diverse range of retail experiences. The airport also offers a variety of dining choices, ensuring that travellers have a range of convenient options during their layovers.

It is the third-largest airport in the US in terms of land size

Southwest Florida International Airport (IATA: RSW, ICAO: KRSW, FAA LID: RSW) is located in the South Fort Myers area of unincorporated Lee County, Florida. The airport is about 3 miles from Interstate 75, a major interstate that travels down the country and serves as a major travel artery through Florida.

The airport covers 13,555 acres (54.9 km2), making it the third-largest airport in the United States in terms of land size, after Denver and Dallas/Fort Worth. The large swath of land on which the airport sits is located just southeast of Fort Myers. The airport's easy access to Interstate 75 makes it a convenient option for travellers, allowing them to quickly reach various attractions in the region.

The Southwest Florida International Airport is a major county-owned airport, serving the Southwest Florida region, including the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Naples-Marco Island, and Punta Gorda metropolitan areas. It is also a U.S. Customs and Border Protection port of entry. The airport has a single runway and a single terminal with three concourses, making it easy for passengers to navigate.

The airport's vast land size can be attributed to the conservation of 6,000 acres as swamp lands, which have been set aside for environmental mitigation. The airport's location was strategically chosen, considering its proximity to Interstate 75, which provided easy access for travellers.

In terms of passenger traffic, the Southwest Florida International Airport is one of the top 50 airports in the United States, serving more than 10 million passengers in 2023. The airport offers convenient connections worldwide, with flights to major gateways like Atlanta, Chicago, and New York.

With its convenient location, modern facilities, and a range of amenities, the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is a popular choice for travellers heading to the Southwest Florida region.

Frequently asked questions