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A rendering of what RSW will look like once the expansion project is completed. -COURTESY PHOTO<\/p>\n
Eleven million people fly into and out of Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) every year. And with \u201cseason\u201d in full swing and spring break on the way, you may be heading to the airport yourself. If so, you\u2019ll notice some big changes, as RSW is in the midst of a major upgrade.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re essentially almost doubling our square footage,\u201d said Steven Hennigan, the executive director and CEO of Lee County Port Authority. \u201cA great takeaway is that almost this whole facility will either be new or completely refreshed.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
Hennigan says while the airport expansion project will completely revamp how the airport looks, it will still reflect the heart and spirit of Southwest Florida. Vibrant colors, sunset views and local restaurants will all be a part of the upgrades.\n<\/p>\n
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A rendering of the brand-new Concourse E. -COURTESY PHOTO<\/p>\n
Popular local spots like Fort Myers Brewing and Key Lime Pie Bistro opened up new locations inside the airport as part of the expansion plan to help bring the tastes of Southwest Florida to locals and visitors alike. Fort Myers Brewing has been operating in RSW for about a year, while Key Lime Pie Bistro just opened up in January.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThe airport is going to be a completely different look and feel, but it\u2019s going to be the same sense of place,\u201d said Hennigan. \u201cSo, I think they\u2019re going to end up with a product and a service that they can be proud of, that gives that sense of Southwest Florida.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
Jenna Lynn of Pittsburgh stopped at Fort Myers Brewing at the airport on her way back home from spending a long weekend on Sanibel. She popped in for a quick drink before her flight and said the service was excellent and the food looked good. She also appreciated getting a touch more Florida sun via a skylight before returning home to the cold weather and gray skies of Western Pennsylvania.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cI hung out at Fort Myers Brewing because the seating by my gate was crowded. The restaurant was busy!\u201d said Lynn. \u201cThere were skylights so you could still get a little sunshine, too.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
Travelers may notice some restaurants and shops inside of the airport have closed. Sbarro and Great American Bagel have both recently closed in Concourse C. Recent closures in the main terminal include Jose Cuervo Tequileria, Brighton Collectibles, Coastal News, Dylan\u2019s Candy Bar and PGA Tour Shop.\n<\/p>\n
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Local favorites like Key Lime Bistro are opening sites at the airport. -COURTESY PHOTO<\/p>\n
However, new food and beverage options have been installed to make sure travelers still have plenty of choices to grab a bite or quench their thirst while waiting for their flight. For those who are looking for national restaurant chains, Hennigan says a brand new Chick-Fil-A will be opening in the airport in the future and construction on a new Starbucks in Concourse D has already begun with an anticipated opening date set for Fall 2026.\n<\/p>\n
Brand new self-serve kiosks have also been installed in the last few weeks. They are similar to vending machines, but instead of snacks, they offer hot and cold food from some popular restaurant chains like White Castle and the Cheesecake Factory. If you aren\u2019t in the mood for piping hot sliders or cool and creamy mini cheesecake bites, you can also get more unique fare. Check out the pork dumplings from the Wow Bao kiosk or a hearty breakfast sandwich from the Evolve Breakfast kiosk.\n<\/p>\n
Several tables have been added around the kiosks so travelers can sit down and enjoy their food. Hennigan said sales at these self-serve locations have been great and people have been very receptive to the unique dining idea.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we can be innovative, bring something to the market that has never been seen, you know, why not try it? It\u2019s fun,\u201d said Hennigan. \u201cIt generates some excitement.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
And while the expansion project is bringing more space and more dining options to people passing through RSW, it is also bringing its fair share of challenges. Airport construction at any time of year will have impacts, especially during this busy travel season.\n<\/p>\n
However, Hennigan says his team is more than prepared to handle the challenges head-on and assist travelers to the best of their ability. Airport staff members wearing red vests have been added all around RSW to make sure everyone gets to where they are going safely and on time.\n<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll see our red vests, our customer service professionals that are out there. They\u2019re highly visible and they\u2019re all over the place,\u201d said Hennigan. \u201cSo, what we\u2019ve really tried to do is enhance that guest passenger experience and be proactive and really guide people through the system.\u201d\n<\/p>\n
A temporary TSA security checkpoint opened at Concourse C in the beginning of February. That has also helped to alleviate long wait times and passenger \u201ctraffic jams\u201d during construction.\n<\/p>\n
Hennigan still suggests that people give themselves plenty of time when arriving at the airport for their departing flights while construction is going on. He acknowledges that RSW is known for its speed and ease of passage, but he encourages people to get to the airport a little earlier than usual. And if you do, you can enjoy all of the new food and beverage options that are now in place.<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\tNew self-serve kiosks offer cold and hot foods for travelers. -COURTESY PHOTO<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/New-self-serve-kiosks-offer-cold-and-hot-foods-for-travelers.--1024x605.jpg\")
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