$73 million terminal expansion in Sarasota breaks ground

Construction is moving forward on the $73 million five-gate terminal expansion at the Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport after a groundbreaking ceremony held March 27. 

The new terminal is connected to the east end of the ticket wing, according to a press release. It will add 75,300 square feet to the airport. The expansion includes a four-lane security checkpoint and five boarding hold rooms with enough room for 970 seats. 

It's expected to be open in December 2024. 

The airport, which goes by the call letters SRQ, has been dealing with record high passenger numbers with nearly 4 million passing through a 12-month period that ended in February 2023.

“SRQ has seen an unprecedented increase in passenger traffic and demand,” Rick Piccolo, president and CEO, says in the release. “This new facility will ease crowding and allow for future expansion of airlines and destinations.”

Piccolo adds that over the last five years the airport has grown from six airlines with 12 nonstop destinations to 11 airlines and 55 nonstop destinations. 

In addition to the extra space, the expansion will also include passenger amenities such as a new bar, cafe, restaurant and marketplace. 

The project is receiving federal, state and airport authority funds for the buildout. The release also states that tax dollars are not supporting the project.