New concourse, expanded dining and more coming to Southwest Florida International Airport

FORT MYERS, Fla. —

The Lee County Tourist Development Council provided updates on the expansion project underway at Southwest Florida International Airport Thursday.

The plan is to double the size of RSW with the ongoing expansion project, due to an increase in the annual number of passengers, creating a demand for more space. TDC shared that in 2016, the average annual passengers were 8.6 million compared to 11.15 million in 2025.

Creating a single TSA checkpoint

The new checkpoint is highlighted blue in the blueprint

RSW Lee County TDC

The new checkpoint is highlighted in blue in the blueprint

The new project will create a single central Transportation Security Administration checkpoint. It will also enable passengers to walk between concourses instead of being stuck in one concourse.

After the shutdown of Spirit Airlines, the number of carriers at RSW now sits at 15. The number will change again due to the recent Allegiant-Sun Country merger.

RSW Lee County TDC

Rendering of new single central TSA checkpoint

RSW Lee County TDC

Rendering of new checkpoint

After the shutdown of Spirit Airlines, the number of carriers at RSW now sits at 15. The number will change again due to the recent Allegiant-Sun Country merger.

RSW Lee County TDC

Rendering of new area at RSW

RSW Lee County TDC

Rendering of new ticketing hall

Brand new: Concourse E

RSW Lee County TDC

Rendering of Concourse E

The project also includes the construction of a new concourse, Concourse E, which has a targeted completion of 2027. The new concourse will include a new checkpoint, 14 gates, new taxiways, and will cost an estimated $1 billion. All glass installation is expected to be completed by June.

Expanding dining at Concourse B

RSW Lee County TDC

Rendering of new food court

Additionally, Concourse B will feature expanded dining options, with Panera Bread, Chick-fil-A, Rocco's Tacos and Vino Volo locations set to open. Boat House will be added, although not in a security zone, and it will have to close during construction, TDC said.

Parking/Rental car expansion

Another aspect of the project is the rental car and parking expansion, which targets a 2029 completion. The plan is to add another 600 parking spaces and another long-term parking lot, as well as move the location of the cell phone lot.

It will also include the addition of a new public safety building and a new car rental building.

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