Owais Crawford
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) are two of the region's main airports. RSW is located in Fort Myers, Florida, and is one of the busiest airports in the state. It is a major county-owned airport that serves the Southwest Florida region, including Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Naples-Marco Island, and Punta Gorda. On the other hand, PGD is situated off I-75 on Florida's southwest coast between Sarasota and Fort Myers, near Charlotte Harbor. Both airports offer convenient transportation options and act as gateways to the attractions of Southwest Florida, including its pristine beaches, cultural offerings, and outdoor activities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of Airport with RSW Code | Southwest Florida International Airport |
| Location | Fort Myers, Florida |
| Owner | Lee County Port Authority |
| Number of Terminals | 1 |
| Number of Concourses | 3 (B, C, and D) |
| Number of Runways | 1 |
| Area Covered | 13,555 acres |
| Number of Passengers in 2024 | 11,028,182 |
| Name of Airport with PGD Code | Punta Gorda Airport |
| Location | Southwest Coast of Florida between Sarasota and Ft. Myers |
| Owner | Charlotte County Airport Authority |
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What You'll Learn
- Punta Gorda Airport is located 3 miles east of Punta Gorda, Florida
- Southwest Florida International Airport is located in Fort Myers, Florida
- Punta Gorda Airport is owned by the Charlotte County Airport Authority
- Southwest Florida International Airport is the second-busiest single-runway airport in the US
- Punta Gorda Airport is home to the Florida International Air Show
Punta Gorda Airport is located 3 miles east of Punta Gorda, Florida
Southwest Florida has two main airports: Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Punta Gorda Airport (PGD). Punta Gorda Airport is located 3 miles east of Punta Gorda, Florida. It is owned and operated by the Charlotte County Airport Authority. The airport is an important transportation hub and economic asset for the region, providing hundreds of on-site jobs and contributing over $1.7 billion in total economic output. Punta Gorda Airport is conveniently located off I-75 on Florida's southwest coast, between Sarasota and Ft. Myers, and is just minutes away from Charlotte Harbour.
The airport offers low-cost, nonstop air service to more than 50 destinations through carriers such as Sun Country and Allegiant. Allegiant, for example, offers flights to St. Louis, Missouri, and Belleville, Illinois. The airport is easily accessible from the north and south via I-75. From the south, travellers can take exit 161, turn right on Jones Loop Road, then left onto Piper Road, and finally turn right into the main entrance on Viking Avenue. From the north, travellers can take exit 164, turn right onto US 17, then turn right onto Piper Road, and finally turn left into the main entrance on Viking Avenue.
Punta Gorda Airport is a beloved choice for travellers due to its convenient location and easy-going atmosphere. It serves as a critical gateway to the delights of Southwest Florida, offering a range of cultural, dining, and natural experiences for visitors. The airport is also known for its reliable and hassle-free transportation options, such as the Yeppy Shuttle Service, which provides comfortable and timely transportation to and from the airport.
In contrast, Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is located in the South Fort Myers area of unincorporated Lee County, Florida. It is owned and operated by the Lee County Port Authority and serves the Southwest Florida region, including the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Naples-Marco Island, and Punta Gorda metropolitan areas. RSW is one of the busiest airports in Florida, serving around 8 million passengers per year, with nonstop flights to destinations across North America and Europe. The airport offers a large variety of amenities and services for travellers, including shops, restaurants, and car rental services.
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Southwest Florida International Airport is located in Fort Myers, Florida
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is located in Fort Myers, Florida. It is one of the busiest airports in the state and serves as a primary airport for the Southwest Florida region, including the cities of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, and Marco Island. The airport is owned and operated by the Lee County Port Authority and offers flights throughout the U.S. and a few international destinations. RSW is known for its convenience, comfort, and beautiful setting, attracting millions of passengers each year.
The airport is easily accessible from I-75 via the Terminal Access Road, which loops around parking and car rental facilities. RSW has a single terminal building with three concourses: B, C, and D. The main terminal spans two levels, with departures on the upper level and arrivals on the ground level. The upper level also features shops and restaurants outside the secure area, and security checkpoints are located at the entrance to each concourse.
RSW provides a range of amenities and services for travellers, including additional shops and restaurants, car rental services, and free and unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the airport. The airport also offers a variety of transportation options, such as buses, taxis, and car rentals, making it convenient for passengers to get to and from their destinations.
Southwest Florida International Airport has a rich history, dating back to its opening in 1983 as an alternative to Page Field. It has grown exponentially over the years, expanding from a single 8,400-foot runway to a massive 12,000-foot runway and state-of-the-art terminal. The airport covers over 13,555 acres of land, making it the third-largest airport in the United States in terms of land size.
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Punta Gorda Airport is owned by the Charlotte County Airport Authority
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is a major county-owned airport in the South Fort Myers area of unincorporated Lee County, Florida. The airport serves the Southwest Florida region, including the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Naples-Marco Island, and Punta Gorda metropolitan areas. It is one of the newest airports in the United States, having been certified for operation in May 1983. RSW is focused on providing a convenient, comfortable, and beautiful travel experience for its millions of passengers.
Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) is a public airport located in Charlotte County, Florida, and is owned by the Charlotte County Airport Authority. It is situated three miles east of Punta Gorda and is easily accessible from I-75 on Florida's southwest coast between Sarasota and Ft. Myers. The airport has been an important transportation and economic hub for the region, providing hundreds of jobs, space for businesses and tenants, and contributing over $1.7 billion in total economic output.
PGD has a long history, with the U.S. Army Air Forces' (USAAF) Third Air Force naming the facility Punta Gorda Army Airfield during World War II. The base housed student pilots and various aircraft, including the Curtis P-40 Warhawks and the North American P-51 Mustang. After the war, the U.S. Government transferred ownership of the property to Charlotte County.
In recent years, PGD has seen an increase in scheduled airline services, with Allegiant Air offering flights to over 50 destinations. The airport has also undergone expansion projects, including the construction of a new terminal in 2007, named the Bailey Terminal, and plans for further improvements to increase its gates to 10.
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Southwest Florida International Airport is the second-busiest single-runway airport in the US
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is located in the South Fort Myers area of unincorporated Lee County, Florida, United States. The airport serves the Southwest Florida region, including the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Naples-Marco Island, and Punta Gorda metropolitan areas. It is one of the newest airports in the US, having been certified for operation in May 1983.
The airport is currently the second-busiest single-runway airport in the US, after San Diego International Airport, California. In 2024, the airport served 11,028,182 passengers, the most in its history. The airport sits on 13,555 acres of land just southeast of Fort Myers, making it the third-largest airport in the US in terms of land size. Notably, 6,000 acres of the land have been conserved as swamplands and set aside for environmental mitigation.
RSW's runway is designated as runway 06/24 and measures 12,000 x 150 ft. It has an asphalt surface and is the fourth-longest runway in Florida. The airport has a design capacity of 10 million passengers per year, with 28 gates on three concourses (Concourse B, C, and D). However, the terminal buildings can be expanded incrementally to 65 gates on five concourses (A-E).
The airport has been expanding and improving its facilities over the years. Construction is currently underway on a fourth concourse, Concourse E, which is planned to be completed by the end of 2027 or early 2028. This new concourse will include 14 gates and will consolidate the three security checkpoints into a larger single checkpoint, allowing entry to all concourses.
In addition to the expansion of Concourse E, RSW has also been planning to construct a parallel runway to the existing one, with the original concept dating back to the late 1970s when the airport was being developed. However, the second runway plan has been delayed, and it is now expected to be operational in the early 2040s.
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Punta Gorda Airport is home to the Florida International Air Show
The Florida International Air Show is an annual tradition that brings joy and excitement to the area of Punta Gorda Airport, which is located in Southwest Florida, between Sarasota and Ft. Myers, just off I-75. The airport is owned and operated by the Charlotte County Airport Authority and is an important transportation and economic hub for the region, providing hundreds of jobs and contributing over $1.7 billion in total economic output.
The Air Show is a family-friendly event that celebrates the past, present, and future of aviation. It typically hosts thrilling performances and exhibitions, such as the US Navy Blue Angels, that captivate audiences and showcase the capabilities of aircraft and the skill of their pilots. The show is organized with the support of community partners, including the PGD, Charlotte County Sheriff, Fire & EMS, who prioritize the safety and well-being of attendees, vendors, and volunteers.
In recent years, the Air Show has faced cancellations due to the impacts of hurricanes. In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene, organizers made the difficult decision to cancel the event, recognizing the extensive damage and disruption caused by the dual hurricanes. Their focus shifted to supporting the community's recovery efforts and ensuring the safety and well-being of all involved.
The Florida International Air Show is committed to delivering an exceptional experience for aviation enthusiasts and the local community. The organizers work diligently to bring the event back stronger, ensuring that it reflects the strength and resilience of the region. The Air Show is anticipated to return in November 2025, promising an amazing gathering as the community rebuilds and recovers.
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Frequently asked questions
The RSW airport is located in Fort Myers, Florida, United States.
The PGD airport is located in Punta Gorda, Florida, United States.
RSW stands for Southwest Regional Airport. The airport was renamed to Southwest Florida International Airport in 1993.
The RSW airport opened in 1983 as a replacement for the Page Field airport. The growth of tourism and development in Southwest Florida required a larger airport, and RSW was created to meet that need.
