Terminal Expansion Project Breaks Ground At Sarasota Bradenton Airport

SARASOTA, FL — Work has started on the construction of a new five-gate terminal at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the $73 million terminal expansion project took place Monday, according to a news release from the airport.

Connected to the east end of the ticket wing, the 75,300-square-foot facility will include a four-lane security checkpoint and five boarding hold rooms with 970 seats.

• Also Read: Airport Expansion Planned, Passenger Traffic Grows Significantly

The new terminal will provide various amenities and services for passengers, including a new bar, café, restaurant and marketplace in the double-height connector hall. Both before and after the security checkpoint, passengers will find men’s, women’s and family restrooms, as well as mother’s nursing rooms and pet relief areas.

The project is being paid for with federal, state and Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority funds, as the airport is not supported by tax dollars, the news release said.

The new terminal is a response to the increase in travelers the airport has seen in recent years.

In 2022, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport saw 3,847,606 passengers, a 21.6 percent increase over 2021’s record passenger traffic. And over the past five years, passenger traffic has tripled at the airport.

“SRQ has seen an unprecedented increase in passenger traffic and demand, growing from six airlines and 12 nonstop destinations to 11 airlines serving 55 nonstop destinations, over the last five years,” Rick Piccolo, president and CEO, said. “This new facility will ease crowding and allow for future expansion of airlines and destinations.”