Lois Larson
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 nation and is currently the second-busiest single-runway airport in the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Southwest Florida International Airport |
| Airport Code | RSW |
| Location | 11000 Terminal Access Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33913, US |
| Owner | Lee County |
| Operator | Lee County Port Authority |
| Served Area | Fort Myers, Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Naples-Marco Island, Punta Gorda, Sanibel |
| Served Cities | Fort Myers, Naples |
| Served Countries | United States |
| Total Area | 13,555 acres |
| Land Conserved as Wetlands | 6,000 acres |
| Number of Runways | 1 |
| Number of Concourses | 4 (A, B, C, E) |
| Number of Gates | 56 |
| Annual Passengers | 10-11 million |
| Year of Construction | 1980 |
| Year of Operation | 1983 |
| Terminal Expansion Project | Ongoing |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Southwest Florida International Airport
The airport is perfectly positioned, with quick access to Interstate 75 and U.S. 41. The airport's location puts all the attractions of the region within easy driving distance. Visitors can go from bag claim to beach in under 30 minutes. The airport currently serves over 10 million annual passengers, ranking among the top 50 US airports.
The airport's history dates back to 1980 when construction first began. The airport opened on May 14, 1983, as Southwest Florida Regional Airport (the airport code RSW is short for "Regional South-West"). The airport included a single 8400-foot runway and a passenger terminal with 14 gates on two concourses. The original terminal was located on the north side of the runway at the end of Chamberlin Parkway. The airport was renamed Southwest Florida International Airport in 1993, although it had hosted international flights since 1984 and had a U.S. Customs presence since 1987.
The airport has expanded over the years, with the addition of a new wing to Concourse B in 1994, which added three gates, bringing the total to 17. The runway was also lengthened to 12,000 feet to better accommodate international service. Today, the airport continues to expand, with a focus on improving airport efficiency and providing passengers with more amenities and options. The airport offers nonstop service to 72 destinations by 15 air carriers, providing travellers with worldwide connections.
Phoenix Airport Code: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Fort Myers, Florida
The Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is located in Fort Myers, providing domestic and international air transportation for passengers and cargo. The airport is a key transportation hub, connecting travellers to major cities and leisure destinations worldwide. It is one of the newest airports in the nation and is currently undergoing a terminal expansion project. RSW is situated just southeast of Fort Myers, covering 13,555 acres of land, with 6,000 acres conserved as swamp lands.
Fort Myers offers a range of attractions, including its beaches, islands, and neighbourhoods. The city has a notable student population, being home to Florida Gulf Coast University and Florida SouthWestern State College. Historical sites such as Centennial Park, the IMAG History & Science Center, and the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium are also among the attractions.
The city hosts various festivals and celebrations throughout the year, including Pride Month in June and National Seashell Day, which coincides with the start of summer. Fort Myers also boasts a vibrant live music scene, with events like the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest offering intimate experiences.
With its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and convenient access to nearby attractions, Fort Myers is a popular destination for visitors seeking adventure, relaxation, and unique experiences in Southwest Florida.
Sapporo Airport Shopping: Best Buys Before Boarding
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Airport: The Complete Collection [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81-nvGF8wgL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Naples-Marco Island, and Punta Gorda metropolitan areas
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.
The airport is situated at 11000 Terminal Access Road, Fort Myers, FL 33913, and is easily accessible from Interstate 75 and U.S. 41. It is one of the newest airports in the nation and is known for its convenience, comfort, and beautiful setting. RSW serves over 10 million passengers annually, with a record of 11,028,182 passengers in 2024, making it one of the top 50 US airports by passenger volume.
The Cape Coral-Fort Myers metropolitan area, also known as the Fort Myers metro area, is located in Southwest Florida and includes Lee County and its cities, such as Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, and Sanibel. The region boasts coastal beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, a relaxed lifestyle, and a thriving cultural scene. Popular destinations include Fort Myers Beach, known for its white sandy shores and turquoise waters, and the Sanibel and Captiva Islands, renowned for their pristine beaches, seashells, and wildlife refuges.
The Naples-Marco Island metropolitan area, specifically Naples, is home to the Collier County Probation government agency, which specialises in supervising individuals on probation and facilitating their successful reintegration into the community. Naples and Marco Island are also part of the Naples-Immokalee-Marco Island metropolitan area, which has experienced significant job growth. Between January 2023 and January 2024, the area reported a 3.2% increase in total non-farm employment, contributing to the overall economic development of Southwest Florida.
Punta Gorda is a metropolitan area within the Southwest Florida region served by RSW Airport. While it has experienced slower job growth compared to other metropolitan areas in the region, it is still an integral part of the Southwest Florida community.
Exploring Taipei: A Guide to Taoyuan Airport Layover
You may want to see also
Explore related products
11,028,182 passengers in 2024
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is located in Fort Myers, Florida, United States. The airport is situated on 11000 Terminal Access Road, just southeast of Fort Myers, and is easily accessible from Interstate 75 and U.S. 41. RSW is one of the newest airports in the nation and serves the Southwest Florida region, including Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Naples-Marco Island, and Punta Gorda.
In 2024, RSW served 11,028,182 passengers, setting a new record for the airport. This number represents an average of 6,030,849 passengers per year since the airport began commercial airline service in 1983. The airport is a major transportation hub, providing domestic and international air transportation services for passengers and cargo. RSW offers nonstop connections worldwide through 15 airlines serving major US hubs, Canada, and Germany.
RSW is focused on providing a convenient and comfortable travel experience for its passengers. The airport boasts a spacious terminal with soothing decor, clean facilities, and a variety of dining options. However, some passengers have noted issues with pre-check lines and customer service. The airport has also experienced several notable incidents, including aircraft crashes and emergency landings.
RSW is operated by the Lee County Port Authority and is committed to the region's environmental mitigation efforts. 6,000 acres of the airport's land have been conserved as swamp lands, contributing to its status as the third-largest airport in the United States in terms of land size. The airport's location provides quick access to nearby beaches and attractions, making it a popular choice for travellers.
With its convenient location, modern facilities, and expanding list of airlines, RSW is well-equipped to handle its growing passenger numbers. The airport's focus on comfort and convenience ensures a positive travel experience for the millions of passengers who pass through its gates each year.
Atlanta Airport Map: A Sprawling Hub's Geography
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport's history
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 is located approximately 10 miles southeast of Fort Myers and serves the Southwest Florida region, including the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Naples-Marco Island, and Punta Gorda metropolitan areas.
The history of RSW airport dates back to the early 1970s when the nearby Page Field Airport in central Fort Myers needed to be replaced due to space constraints. In 1973, a new site was chosen, conveniently located near the new I-75 interstate. Construction of the Southwest Florida Regional Airport began in 1980, and the airport officially opened on May 14, 1983. The airport initially included a single 8400-foot runway and a passenger terminal with 14 gates on two concourses. The airport was served by several major airlines, including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines.
In 1985, the airport began offering international flights, with Germany becoming a popular destination. To accommodate the increasing size of aircraft, the runway was extended to over 11,800 feet in 1993. That same year, the airport was officially renamed Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). The Midfield Terminal Complex opened in 2004, costing over $400 million, and introduced a new generation of large Airbus passenger planes.
Over the years, RSW airport has continued to grow and expand. By 2024, the airport had served over 11 million passengers annually, becoming one of the top 50 airports in the United States for passenger traffic. The airport currently offers nonstop service to numerous destinations, including international service to Canada and Germany. RSW airport is committed to providing a convenient, comfortable, and exceptional travel experience for its passengers while also focusing on environmental mitigation, with 6,000 acres of land conserved as swamp lands.
Arequipa's Airport: A Travel Gateway to Adventure
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
RSW airport, or Southwest Florida International Airport, is located southeast of the city of Fort Myers, Florida, in the United States.
RSW airport is accessible via Interstate 75 and U.S. 41. It is also served by taxi and limousine services, public transportation, and car rental companies.
The airport's address is 11000 Terminal Access Road, Suite 8671, Fort Myers, FL 33913.
