Fort Meyers Airport Reopening: What We Know So Far

when will fort meyers airport reopen

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is undergoing a Terminal Expansion Project Phase 2, which involves improvements to the terminal roadways and changes to the location of ground transportation pickup locations. Due to these changes, the airport temporarily closed and reopened on Friday, October 11, 2024, after Hurricane Milton. The airport, operated by the Lee County Port Authority, is committed to providing a convenient, comfortable, and exceptional travel experience to its millions of annual passengers.

Characteristics Values
Name of the airport Southwest Florida International Airport
Airport code RSW
Location Fort Myers, Florida
Operating authority Lee County Port Authority
Year of certification 1983
Number of passengers served in 2024 More than 11 million
Non-stop service 72 destinations by 15 air carriers
Reopening date Friday, October 11, 2024, at 4 a.m.
TSA checkpoints opening time 7:30 a.m.
Airlines operating flight time 9 a.m.

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Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers reopened on October 11, 2024, after Hurricane Milton

The airport authorities announced that RSW would resume operations on Friday at 4 a.m., including rental car agencies and shuttle buses to and from parking lots. They advised passengers to consider parking in the long-term lots due to limited space in the short-term garage. The TSA checkpoints opened at 7:30 a.m., and airlines commenced flights at 9 a.m.

As part of its ongoing enhancements, RSW is expanding its terminal to elevate efficiency and offer more amenities and options for travellers. The Lee County Port Authority is overseeing these improvements, which include changes to ground transportation pickup locations. From January 8, 2025, travellers will observe construction fencing on the lower-level roadways, and ground transportation options will shift to the first floor/ground level of the parking garage.

The airport encourages passengers to follow signage and exercise caution when using crosswalks during this transition. They also plan to post updates on their website and Facebook page to keep travellers informed about any changes. These changes are part of the Terminal Expansion Project Phase 2, with the goal of enhancing the airport's convenience and comfort for the millions of passengers it serves.

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RSW is one of the newest airports in the US, having opened in 1983

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is one of the newest airports in the United States, having first opened in 1983. Construction of the airport began in 1980, and it opened on schedule on May 14, 1983, with a single 8400-foot runway and a passenger terminal with 14 gates across two concourses. The airport was originally named Southwest Florida Regional Airport, with the RSW code standing for "Regional South-West".

Upon opening, the airport was served by nine airlines, including Air Florida Commuter, Continental Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, which operated the airport's first flight. By 1985, five more airlines were serving the airport, including American Airlines and Southern Express.

Since its opening, RSW has undergone several changes and improvements. A new terminal complex opened in 2005, and the airport currently serves over 11 million passengers annually, ranking it among the top 50 US airports. RSW is focused on providing a convenient, comfortable, and exceptional travel experience for its passengers.

The airport is located in Fort Myers, in the South Fort Myers area of unincorporated Lee County, Florida. It serves the Southwest Florida region, including the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Naples-Marco Island, and Punta Gorda metropolitan areas. With quick access to Interstate 75 and U.S. 41, the airport is well-connected to the region's attractions, including picturesque golf courses and outdoor activities.

RSW is currently undergoing a terminal expansion project to improve efficiency and provide passengers with more amenities. The Lee County Port Authority is working on roadway improvements, and travellers can expect changes to the location of ground transportation options starting in January 2025.

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RSW is focused on convenience and comfort, serving over 11 million passengers in 2024

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is located in Fort Myers and is focused on providing convenience and comfort to its passengers. The airport, which is one of the newest in the country, served over 11 million passengers in 2024 and is committed to offering an exceptional travel experience.

RSW is operated by the Lee County Port Authority (LCPA) and was certified for operation in May 1983. It is one of the top 50 airports in the US and offers nonstop service to 72 destinations by 15 air carriers. The airport is currently undergoing a terminal expansion project to improve efficiency and provide more amenities and options for passengers.

As part of the expansion project, there will be changes to the location of ground transportation pickup areas starting in January 2025. This includes long-term parking shuttles, on-demand taxis, limos, hotel shuttles, and bus services. All ground transportation will shift to the first floor/ground level of the parking garage. The Lee County Port Authority will continue to post updates on the airport's website and Facebook page to keep travelers informed of any changes.

RSW is dedicated to providing a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for its passengers. With its beautiful setting and focus on convenience and comfort, the airport strives to make travel easy and enjoyable for the millions of passengers who pass through its doors each year.

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The Lee County Port Authority is improving RSW's terminal roadways as part of Phase 2 of its expansion

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), located in Fort Myers, is undergoing a terminal expansion project to improve airport efficiency and enhance passengers' travel experience. The Lee County Port Authority (LCPA) is overseeing the project, which began on October 1, 2024, with a budget of over $1 billion.

As part of Phase 2 of the expansion, the LCPA is focusing on improving the terminal roadways. From January 8, 2025, travellers will notice construction fencing on the lower-level roadways, and there will be changes to the pickup locations for ground transportation options. These include long-term parking shuttles, on-demand taxis/limos, hotel shuttles, and the LeeTran bus service, which will now be located on the first floor/ground level of the parking garage instead of the commercial lanes on the outer lower-level curb.

The LCPA has advised travellers to expect some delays when leaving RSW due to these changes and to follow signage and be cautious when using crosswalks. They will continue to provide updates on their website and Facebook page to keep travellers and airport users informed of any further developments.

The terminal expansion project at RSW is a response to the increasing passenger traffic at the airport, which served more than 11 million passengers in 2024. The project aims to expand the airport's capacity, improve efficiency, and provide passengers with more amenities and options. Phase 1 of the expansion would have consolidated security checkpoints into one grand entrance instead of four separate locations before each gate.

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From January 8, 2025, ground transportation pick-up locations at RSW will change

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is undergoing a Terminal Expansion Project Phase 2 to improve airport efficiency and provide passengers with more amenities and options. As a result of these changes, the Lee County Port Authority has announced that, from January 8, 2025, the pickup locations for ground transportation will change.

For those arriving at RSW who will be using long-term parking shuttles, on-demand taxis/limos, hotel shuttles, or the LeeTran bus service, please be aware that the pickup locations will be different. All ground transportation will now depart from the first floor/ground level of the parking garage, rather than the commercial lanes located on the outer lower-level curb.

This change is due to the construction fencing that has been put in place on the lower-level roadways as part of the Terminal Expansion Project. These improvements are designed to enhance the travel experience for the millions of passengers who use the airport each year. RSW is committed to providing exceptional service and convenience to its customers while also offering a beautiful setting.

Passengers are advised to follow the signage and exercise caution when using the crosswalks. The Lee County Port Authority will continue to provide updates on the airport's website and Facebook page to keep travelers informed of any further changes or disruptions. These changes may cause some delays when leaving RSW, so passengers are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.

Frequently asked questions

The Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers last reopened on Friday, October 11, 2024, after being closed due to Hurricane Milton.

Starting Wednesday, January 8, 2025, the Lee County Port Authority will begin work on the terminal roadway improvements as part of the Terminal Expansion Project Phase 2.

The construction will involve improvements to the terminal roadways and changes to the location of ground transportation options. All ground transportation will shift from the commercial lanes on the outer lower-level curb to the first floor/ground level of the parking garage.

There is no indication that the Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers will completely close during the construction. However, travellers are advised that the construction may cause some delays when leaving the airport.

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