Southwest Florida Airport Breaks Ground on $1.1B Terminal Expansion

Suffolk Construction broke ground on the $1.1 billion Terminal E project at Southwest Florida International Airport earlier this month. It's the largest construction project in Lee County's history.

The upgrade will add 14 new gates, leaving room for five more. The expansion comes as the airport hit a record year, serving 11 million passengers in 2024.

Construction crews have begun the challenging task of installing foundation supports and relocating utilities. They're also setting up underground mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work.

"Suffolk's ability to successfully navigate complex projects and timelines without causing disruption to an airport's ongoing operations is a testament to our meticulous planning and execution skills,” Pete Tuffo, president of Florida Gulf Coast and National Gaming for Suffolk, told Construction Dive. “Our unique approach helps to ensure airports remain fully functional and efficient throughout the entire construction process."

The renovations will completely change the space by adding retail spots, concourses, and enhanced security checkpoints. Crews will upgrade taxiways and modify traffic patterns to ease congestion.

Funding comes from three sources: the Lee County Port Authority, the Florida Department of Transportation, and federal grants from the FAA. The project should wrap up in 2027 if everything stays on schedule.

The initial phase, managed by SNC-Lavalin and costing $331 million, has fallen behind schedule due to design and construction management issues.