The Naples Airport Authority Board met yesterday to review the final draft of
the exploratory study
, which some refer to as a relocation study. This effort has been in progress for months following the hiring of a consultant in 2023 to identify suitable land for a potential airport move.
While noise complaints have driven this study, some in the community would be saddened to see the airport go.
Gary Putaansuu, a resident of Northside RV Homes located directly across from the airport, expressed his attachment to the facility, which has been part of the community for over 80 years.
“I’d be sad to see it go because they’re a really good neighbor,” Putaansuu said. “It's a unique part of Naples [...] there's very little of what used to be Naples that's left.
According to Zac Burch, communications manager for the Naples Airport Authority, the study stems from noise complaints and a growing population.
“This is something that’s been discussed off and on since the 70s, and never has there really been a full analysis and a full accounting of what it would take,” Burch said. “Is it possible? And if so, what would it take? What would be the benefits of potentially relocating the airport?”
The relocation, if pursued, would require significant resources. Cost estimates for moving the airport are just over $1 billion. Adding commercial airlines to the facility could further increase the cost.
Burch also highlighted the challenges of finding suitable land. Although there appears to be a lot of green space in the eastern part of the county, much of it is under permanent conservation as state or federal park land.
The four possible location spots are:
Site A: Property east of county landfill
Site B: Lipman Farms
Site C: Sunripe land south of Oil Well Road
Site D: Immokalee Regional Airport
The board ended the meeting by deciding to present the report formally to both the city of Naples City Council and Collier County for further discussion on the airport’s future.