Southwest Florida’s busiest airport is in the midst of a massive transformation that could reshape travel for Naples and the Gulf Coast for decades.

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is undergoing one of the largest public works projects in Lee County history — a two-phase terminal expansion designed to improve passenger flow, add gates, and modernize facilities for a growing travel market.

What’s Under Construction Right Now

Airport officials say construction is visible outside and inside the terminal, with new structural work transforming the airport’s footprint. A temporary TSA checkpoint has been installed to help manage security while existing space is remodeled.

More than 164,000 square feet of existing terminal space is being remodeled, and about 117,000 square feet of new passenger walkways and concessions will be added as part of the first phase aimed at improving passenger flow, expanding seating areas, and adding more retail and dining options.

Concourse E — A Game Changer

The second and most visible part of the project is the construction of a brand-new Concourse E, a massive addition that will significantly increase RSW’s gate capacity.

  • 14 initial aircraft gates, with infrastructure to support up to 19 in the future

  • Expanded ticketing and baggage claim facilities

  • A new Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint

  • Additional retail, dining, and passenger amenity areas

  • Upgraded roadways and terminal access points

The concourse expansion is part of an estimated $1.1 billion investment in RSW’s long-term growth and will allow the airport to accommodate thousands of additional passengers daily.

Why This Matters

According to the Lee County Port Authority, which owns and operates RSW, this project will:

  • Improve operational efficiency by consolidating checkpoints and streamlining passenger movement

  • Boost capacity to meet forecast demand for travel in Southwest Florida

  • Enhance the travel experience with modernized facilities, seating, shops, restaurants, lounges, and convenient access points

Airport leadership has said the expansion positions RSW to serve significantly more passengers — with projections in master planning documents suggesting traffic could reach nearly 17.5 million passengers annually by 2041.

Timeline & Funding

RSW’s renovation and expansion began in stages in the early 2020s. Several major construction milestones — including structural steel placement for Concourse E — have already been reached, signaling progress toward long-term goals.

The full expansion is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2027, with airports in Southwest Florida continuing to operate throughout the work. Funding comes from a mix of airport revenue bonds, passenger facility charges, and federal and state grants — not property taxes.

What Travelers Can Expect

Once finished, the expanded airport will offer:

  • Easier and more efficient security screening

  • More gates and flight options

  • More space for restaurants, shops, lounges, and services

  • Better access roads and parking flow

  • Increased ability to accommodate seasonal and year-round travel growth

For Naples residents and visitors, RSW’s upgrades mean smoother journeys, reduced waits, and more travel choices — an important factor as Southwest Florida continues to see rising tourism and population growth.