Punta Gorda Airport opens six new gates as $44 million expansion moves forward

PUNTA GORDA, Fla. (WINK) — Punta Gorda Airport is making more room for a growing number of travelers, with six new departure gates now open as part of a $44 million expansion of the Bailey Terminal.

For families like the Hodges, the changes could help preserve one of the reasons they chose Punta Gorda in the first place: convenience.

Karissa Hodge was traveling through the airport with her four young children on Saturday. Her family flies through Punta Gorda often because relatives live in the area.

“It's easy to get through with a lot of kids,” Hodge said. “So it's quick and easy.”

Now, the airport is trying to maintain that quick-and-easy experience while making room for more passengers.

Gates seven through 12 are officially open inside the Bailey Terminal.

The new departure area includes more waiting space, additional seating and charging stations. Large windows give passengers views of aircraft outside, while planes can park closer to the gates, which airport officials say should make boarding more convenient.z

The expansion comes as Punta Gorda Airport continues to see record passenger traffic.

More than 2.2 million passengers traveled through the airport last year, an increase of more than 18% from the year before.

Hodge said she understands why more travelers are choosing Punta Gorda.

“I think it makes sense,” Hodge said. “It's a nice area. Our family lives here, but it's in close vicinity to a lot of different beaches, so you're able to go to a lot of different places whenever you fly in here.”

The six new gates are only one piece of the larger terminal expansion.

The new area also includes larger restrooms, family restrooms, a mother's room and an adult changing station.

More changes are still ahead.

During earlier construction, Charlotte County Airport Authority CEO James Parish told WINK News the finished terminal will give travelers significantly more food and shopping options.

“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,” Parish said.

The overall expansion has been years in the making.

Airport officials began planning renovations and additional space as passenger traffic increased. Construction includes more than 50,000 additional square feet, new departure areas, concessions, restrooms and other terminal improvements.

The airport has remained open throughout construction.

Even with gates seven through 12 now serving passengers, the work is not finished. Additional gates, a new TSA checkpoint and permanent food and beverage options are still expected as later phases of the project move forward.

The full terminal expansion is currently expected to be completed in late 2027.

For Hodge, the appeal of Punta Gorda Airport remains simple.

“It's very convenient, very nice,” she said.