Punta Gorda Airport expansion brings new gates, bigger spaces

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WINK) — Travelers flying out of Punta Gorda Airport will soon have a little more breathing room.

The airport is entering the next phase of its terminal expansion, with new gates set to open in just a few weeks as officials work to keep up with record passenger growth. Six new gates, wider hallways, larger waiting areas and additional restrooms are expected to open by mid-August.

The expansion comes after the airport recorded its busiest year ever and secured millions in federal funding to help pay for the roughly $44 million project. Construction has been underway while the airport remains fully operational, with crews working seven days a week to stay on schedule.

"At the end of the project, we'll have a new Wolfgang Puck, much larger restaurants, much larger news and gifts, a Dunkin' Donuts behind security this time," said James Parish, CEO of the Charlotte County Airport Authority.

Construction for the entire project is expected to wrap up by the end of this year or early 2027. Travelers can expect temporary pop-up concessions while construction continues.