Ft. Lauderdale Airport Starts Work on $404M Addition

The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport started work on a fifth airline terminal this week. The $404 million project will cover 230,000 square feet and should be completed by 2026. The terminal will have five airline passenger gates for domestic flights, increasing the airport’s total to 71 gates.

The terminal is being built due to surging passenger and airline traffic. The new terminal will be able to handle 4 to 5 million more passengers. The project will increase baggage claim areas, restaurant and retail options. The terminal will be paid for through a variety of sources, including airport bonds backed by the airlines and $80 million in state grants from the Florida Department of Transportation.

The Fort Lauderdale airport expansion is expected to lead to about 3,400 direct and indirect construction-related jobs, including at more than a dozen area small businesses. Upon completion, officials estimated the new terminal will lead to the hiring of 1,000 to 1,250 people to fill permanent jobs.