Phase 1 of the $1B RSW terminal expansion project has finally begun, four years behind schedule. Councourse
Southwest Florida International Airport experienced a record-setting year in 2024, serving more than 11 million passengers. Now, the airport is undergoing renovations to accommodate 10,000 more passengers per day with a $1B RSW terminal expansion project.
This project, which is the most expensive Lee County municipal project in history, was divided into two phases. Phase 1 of this project has officially begun, after Phase 2 broke ground last month. Phase 1 came to a halt over a year ago when the general contractor, Manhattan Construction, discovered errors in the structural design. The errors have since been worked through, and both phases are now underway.
RSW Terminal Expansion Phase 1
Plans for Phase I include consolidating TSA checkpoints, providing additional seating, and adding new concession spaces along with a business lounge. More than 164,000 square feet of space will be remodeled, and another 117,000 square feet of new concession space and walkways will be added.
This phase began on April 19th with the permanent closure of Nathan’s Famous, Quiznos, Shulaโs Bar & Grill, and Starbucks Coffee. A temporary checkpoint was installed on April 23rd for concourse C. Travellers of concourse C are encouraged to arrive early to navigate the changes.
RSW Terminal Expansion Phase 2
Phase 2 plans will expand the airport terminal on all three levels to include a new ticketing lobby, bag claim area, and a brand-new concourse. Concourse E will initially have 14 gates with infrastructure to support 19 gates in the future. The new concourse will also include a new TSA Checkpoint, expanded retail, new concessions, and improvements to the road and curbside.
