Lois Larson
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is a major county-owned airport in the South Fort Myers area of unincorporated Lee County, Florida. The airport opened in 1983 as Southwest Florida Regional Airport, and was renamed in 1993. It is Florida's fifth-busiest airport, serving almost 8 million passengers in 2014 and breaking records in 2024 with 11,028,182 passengers. The airport offers nonstop flights on 15 airlines to 74 destinations, including cities throughout the U.S. and internationally in Canada, Cuba, and Europe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Southwest Florida International Airport |
| Acronym | RSW |
| Location | Fort Myers, Florida, United States |
| Owner | County-owned |
| Service | Nonstop flights to 72-74 destinations by 15 air carriers |
| Address | 11000 Terminal Access Road, Fort Myers, Florida 33913 -8213, USA |
| Previous Name | Southwest Florida Regional Airport |
| Opening Year | 1983 |
| Number of Runways | 1 |
| Number of Terminals | 1 |
| Operating Base | Breeze Airways |
| Number of Passengers in 2024 | 11,028,182 |
| Number of Acres | 13,555 |
| Ranking in the US by Land Size | Third-largest airport |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The Fort Myers airport is owned by Lee County
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is located in the South Fort Myers area of unincorporated Lee County, Florida. The airport is owned by Lee County and serves the Southwest Florida region, including Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Naples-Marco Island, and Punta Gorda. With a record-breaking 11,028,182 passengers in 2024, it is one of the top 50 airports in the United States for passenger traffic.
The airport sits on 13,555 acres of land, making it the third-largest airport in the United States by land size. Of this land, 6,000 acres have been conserved as swamplands and set aside for environmental mitigation. The airport has one runway and one terminal, with nonstop service to 72-74 destinations by 15 air carriers.
Before the opening of Southwest Florida International Airport in 1983, the Southwest Florida region was served by Page Field in Fort Myers. However, by the 1970s, it became apparent that Page Field would be too small to handle the increasing demand for commercial flights. The government of Lee County selected a new site near the end of Daniels Parkway, which offered easy access to Interstate 75.
The airport has undergone expansions over the years, including the addition of a new wing to Concourse B in 1998, bringing the total number of gates to 17. In 2024, the airport began expanding its terminal to improve efficiency and provide passengers with more amenities and options. Southwest Florida International Airport is known for its hassle-free travel experience and beautiful setting, making it a popular gateway to the Gulf Coast region.
Denver Airport Chaos: Yesterday's Travel Turmoil Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is also known as Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is a major county-owned airport in the South Fort Myers area of unincorporated Lee County, Florida. It is also known as the Fort Myers Airport and is located in the heart of Southwest Florida. It serves as a midpoint between Miami and Tampa, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and vibrant events. The airport is a key gateway to the Gulf Coast region, including Naples, Cape Coral, and Marco Island.
The airport was previously known as Southwest Florida Regional Airport and opened in 1983. It 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 name change coincided with the completion of a 55,000-square-foot Federal Inspection facility attached to the original terminal's Concourse A. The airport has expanded over the years, with the addition of new wings and gates, and continues to do so to improve efficiency and provide more amenities and options for passengers.
RSW Airport serves the Cape Coral and Fort Myers areas in Florida and is an operating base for Breeze Airways, offering nonstop flights to various destinations. The airport has a single runway and one terminal, with Concourses B, C, and D. It is currently the second-busiest single-runway airport in the United States, serving over 11 million passengers in 2024, a record-breaking milestone.
The airport is located approximately 30 minutes from Fort Myers Beach and is known for its hassle-free travel experience, beautiful setting, and convenient access to various attractions in the region.
Naples Italy Airport: Size, Scale, and Significance
You may want to see also
Explore related products
RSW is one of the fastest-growing airports in Florida
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is one of the fastest-growing airports in Florida. It is located in Fort Myers and serves as a key gateway to the Gulf Coast region, including Naples, Cape Coral, and Marco Island. RSW offers nonstop flights on 15 airlines to 72-74 destinations, including cities throughout the U.S. and internationally in Canada, Cuba, and Europe.
RSW Airport serves the Cape Coral and Fort Myers areas in Florida. Fort Myers Airport consists of one runway and one terminal. The airport is an operating base for Breeze Airways, which has significantly enhanced its connectivity. Breeze Airways offers nonstop flights to 26 destinations, including Lansing, Michigan, and Bangor, Maine, and plans to further expand in the coming years.
RSW is committed to providing a hassle-free and exceptional travel experience for its passengers. The airport is currently expanding its terminal to improve efficiency and provide passengers with more amenities and options. All areas of the Main Terminal are open to the public. RSW also offers a range of transportation options, including bus services, taxi rides, and car rentals.
The airport has seen significant growth in passenger traffic over the years. In 2024, RSW handled a record-breaking 11,028,182 passengers, a 9.5% increase from the previous year. This growth highlights RSW's rising popularity and its position as one of the top 50 airports in the United States for passenger traffic.
RSW has a rich history, with the Southwest Florida region previously served by Page Field in Fort Myers. However, by the 1970s, it became evident that Page Field would be too small to handle the increasing demand for commercial flights. The government of Lee County selected a new site near the end of Daniels Parkway, and the new Southwest Florida Regional Airport opened in 1983. The airport was renamed Southwest Florida International Airport in 1993 and has since become one of Florida's fastest-growing airports.
Manchester Airport: Charges and Fees Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport is located 10 miles southeast of Fort Myers
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is located 10 miles southeast of Fort Myers. The airport serves the Southwest Florida region, including the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Naples-Marco Island, and Punta Gorda metropolitan areas. It is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection port of entry and is currently the second-busiest single-runway airport in the United States.
The airport sits on 13,555 acres of land, making it the third-largest airport in the United States in terms of land size. Of this land, 6,000 acres have been conserved as swamplands and set aside for environmental mitigation. The airport has one runway and one terminal, with three concourses (B, C, and D) and a total of 28 gates.
Southwest Florida International Airport is owned by Lee County and operated by the Lee County Port Authority. Prior to the opening of the airport in 1983, the Southwest Florida region was served by Page Field in Fort Myers. However, by the 1970s, it became apparent that Page Field would be too small to handle the increasing demand for commercial flights. The government of Lee County ultimately selected a site near the end of Daniels Parkway, which offered easy access to Interstate 75.
The airport has undergone several expansions to improve efficiency and enhance the passenger experience. In 1994, Fort Myers welcomed its first flight to Europe, with a route connecting Munich, Düsseldorf, Fort Myers, Miami, and Düsseldorf. The airport continues to expand its international service, offering nonstop flights to 72-74 destinations on 15 airlines.
Dubuque Airport: Does It Exist?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is a midpoint between Miami and Tampa
Southwest Florida International Airport (IATA: RSW, ICAO: KRSW, FAA LID: 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 fastest-growing airports in Florida and is currently the second-busiest single-runway airport in the United States.
Fort Myers Airport consists of one runway and one terminal and is an operating base for Breeze Airways. The airport is located in the heart of Southwest Florida and serves as a midpoint between Miami and Tampa. This convenient location offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and vibrant events. Fort Myers is renowned for its stunning beaches, providing an idyllic setting for relaxation and outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy the warm Florida climate year-round, making it perfect for sun-seekers and those escaping colder climates.
The drive from Miami to the midpoint between the two cities is approximately 140 miles, and Fort Myers is located about 13 miles from this halfway point. This central location makes Fort Myers a convenient destination for travellers exploring Florida or those seeking a break from their journey between Miami and Tampa.
Fort Myers offers several exceptional beaches, each with its own unique charm. Fort Myers Beach, located on Estero Island, is famous for its white sand and warm waters, ideal for swimming, water sports, and dolphin-watching. Bowditch Point Park, at the north end of Fort Myers Beach, offers serene walking trails and a secluded beach for nature lovers seeking tranquility. Lovers Key State Park is another natural gem, known for its diverse wildlife, including dolphins and manatees. This park provides opportunities for kayaking, biking, and hiking in a lush environment.
In addition to its natural attractions, Fort Myers also boasts a lively atmosphere with restaurants, bars, and shops in nearby Times Square. The city's convenient location and array of attractions make it a popular choice for travellers, contributing to the rising popularity of Southwest Florida International Airport.
Saint John's Airport: A Comprehensive Size Review
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is a major county-owned airport in the South Fort Myers area of unincorporated Lee County, Florida.
The airport is located at 11000 Terminal Access Road, Fort Myers, Florida, 33913-8213, USA.
The airport was previously served by Page Field in Fort Myers, but by the 1970s, it was clear that Page Field would be too small to handle the increasing demand for commercial flights. The Southwest Florida Regional Airport opened in 1983 and was renamed the Southwest Florida International Airport in 1993.
More than a dozen airlines serve RSW, including Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, American Airlines, and United Airlines.
Fort Myers is known for its stunning beaches, offering a variety of activities such as swimming, water sports, and dolphin-watching. The city also has vibrant restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as natural attractions like Bowditch Point Park and Lovers Key State Park.
