Southwest Florida Airport Plans $1B Expansion To Handle 10 Million Passengers

The $1 billion expansion of Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), designed to ease congestion after serving over 10 million passengers last year, faces continued setbacks. Originally slated for completion in October 2024, the project—featuring a new terminal with 14 gates, expanded TSA checkpoints, a modern baggage system, and more retail space—has encountered multiple delays since February 2024.

“They need it. I can just tell by the traffic patterns and how much it has grown in the past five years,” one traveler said.

In response, Lee County commissioners recently approved a second 30-day extension for the construction contract and have scheduled a special meeting for March 2025 to assess the project's status. Commissioner David Mulicka expressed frustration over the lack of clear communication.

“The gathering of information on this has been more forensic than I'd like it to be. I would like us to have more information more readily offered to us and available,” said Commissioner David Mulicka. “It seems like we always have to ask and drill down – if we don't ask the specific words in a question, we're not getting those answers.”

Commissioner Kevin Ruane emphasized the need for accurate updates. "I think with the 30 days we'll get more facts than we got in the last 30 days. We're on a good path,” he said.

Port Authority Director Ben Siegel attributed the delays to construction and design issues. Meanwhile, travelers continue to express urgency for the expansion, citing rising traffic over the past five years.