(LEE COUNTY) Southwest Florida International’s RSW Airport is pressing ahead with a multi‑year terminal expansion, and active work is now shaping how people move through the campus. The most immediate changes are detours and access shifts around the rental car facility and terminal roadways, while a temporary security setup is in place for part of the concourse system. Airport officials say the $1.1 billion project—the largest public works effort in Lee County history—aims to keep pace with fast passenger growth, with full completion targeted for 2027. Travelers should plan for short-term inconvenience and allow extra time.
Current changes affecting passengers
The most time-sensitive closure sits near the west entrance of the rental car building. Walkway 5 is closed daily from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. through August 29, 2025. This half-hour window affects access to rental counters, shuttle stops, and taxi pickup zones. Signs route people to alternate paths for parking, ground transport, and car rental services, and airport staff are posted to help redirect foot traffic.
On the terminal upper level, drivers will encounter a squeeze point that can slow drop-offs. Since June 13, 2025, lanes near Doors 5 and 6 have merged into a single lane. The merge has added a few minutes during busy periods, especially for families juggling bags or travelers coordinating curbside wheelchair service. If you’re picking up or dropping off, build in buffer time and watch for cones and flaggers guiding vehicles into the merge.
Security access has shifted for one wing. Since April 23, 2025, a temporary checkpoint serves Concourse C, and it is reachable only through the Ticketing Hall. The airport has also condensed entry points by concourse:
- East Atrium (Door 2) — sole entry for Concourses B and C
- West Atrium (Door 5) — serves Concourse D
While crews work, Concourse D remains fully operational and gate operations continue as scheduled.
Even with construction in full swing, demand hasn’t eased. RSW handled 721,000 passengers in July 2025, up 6.5% from July 2024, one of the airport’s busiest months on record. In April 2025, traffic hit nearly 1.2 million passengers, the second-highest April ever. That growth is the backdrop for the expansion—and the reason work is moving forward at pace, even as people adjust to detours.
Travelers will also notice tighter food choices in certain areas; several spots, including Nathan’s Famous, Quiznos, Shula’s Bar & Grill, and Starbucks, closed on April 19, 2025 to make room for new concessions that will open as the project advances.
Important: Travelers should expect short-term inconvenience and allow extra time at curbside and security while the terminal expansion is underway.
Project scope and timeline
The terminal expansion is structured in phases to keep the airport open while adding capacity and amenities.
Phase 1
- Began on April 19, 2025 (after earlier design issues were resolved).
- Remodels 164,000 square feet and adds 117,000 square feet for concessions and walkways.
- Key elements:
- Consolidated TSA checkpoints
- New seating and a business lounge
- Contractor and support:
- Manhattan Construction — general contractor for Phase 1
- Parsons Corporation — project management support to the Lee County Port Authority
Phase 2
- Broke ground on March 12, 2025 and focuses on major capacity increases.
- Key additions:
- Concourse E with 14 gates (expandable to 19)
- New ticketing lobby and baggage claim
- Expanded retail space and a new TSA checkpoint
- Major roadway and curbside upgrades
- Contractor and support:
- Suffolk — leading construction for Phase 2
- Support from Parsons and SNC‑Lavalin/AtkinsRéalis
- Financing:
- Roughly $900 million from airport revenue bonds, federal grants, and Passenger Facility Charges
Officials frame the project as a long-term answer to crowding felt during peak seasons. Executive Director and CEO Steven Hennigan has pointed to record growth and the need to build capacity ahead of future demand. Lee County Commissioner Brian Hamman called the build “the largest public works project probably in the history of Lee County,” saying the goal is to prevent gridlock.
From the construction side:
– Pete Tuffo of Suffolk emphasized careful planning to keep daily operations running while crews work behind barriers.
– Mark Fialkowski of Parsons highlighted the focus on a better passenger experience and smoother regional mobility once the project wraps.
Planned end results:
– Modernized East Atrium
– Expanded lower-level access
– More shops and restaurants
– Terminal footprint with 38 gates
– Capacity to accommodate an extra 10,000–15,000 daily passengers compared with today’s capacity (depending on airline scheduling)
The Port Authority says construction will continue in rolling segments so airlines can keep flying and customers can move through the building, even if the path changes week to week.
What travelers should do now
Short-term pain can be managed with a few practical steps. Airport bulletins highlight the following recommendations:
- Arrive early
- With detours, lane merges, and a temporary checkpoint for Concourse C, extra time reduces stress at curbside and security.
- Follow posted signs
- Wayfinding boards and floor decals point to parking, ground transport, and rental car access during closures.
- Check ground transport locations
- Shuttle stops and taxi zones have shifted; look for temporary signs and staff on the curbs.
- Use the correct doors
- For security, enter Door 2 for Concourses B and C and Door 5 for Concourse D until further notice.
- Expect periodic changes
- As crews move, walkway and roadway patterns will adjust. Updates post on the airport’s official channels.
Additional traveler tips:
– If you rent a car, build in a few minutes to follow the marked route around Walkway 5 during the morning closure window.
– If you rely on rideshare or taxi service, confirm the temporary pickup area with your driver.
– If your flight uses Concourse C, remember the temporary checkpoint route through the Ticketing Hall.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, steady airport growth during construction is common at fast-growing hubs, and the best defense against missed flights is simple: plan ahead, arrive earlier than usual, and keep travel documents handy while you move through new routes.
Background and outlook
The airport’s history helps explain the timing of delays and decisions. Phase 1 is four years behind its original start because of design errors and contractor disputes, while passenger volume remained strong. RSW served more than 11 million passengers in 2024, and forecasts point to continued growth through 2036.
With tourism strong and year‑round travel rising, Port Authority leaders chose to keep crews on site through peak months rather than slow the schedule—betting that short-term delays will deliver long-term relief.
Local officials link the buildout to Southwest Florida’s broader economy, noting that a larger, more modern terminal supports tourism and makes it easier for residents to fly for work or family. Construction firms say they have staged work to keep the building open and safe, using barriers, escorts, and off‑hour tasks to limit daytime disruption.
For now, patience and a few extra minutes remain the best way through the summer and fall work zones.
Key takeaway: Check the latest advisory before you leave home, confirm your airline’s suggested arrival time, and watch for signage once you reach the campus.
For current maps, lane changes, and weekly construction notices, visit the official airport page at https://www.flylcpa.com/. Airport alerts will continue to flag new closures and reopenings as crews move through the site, including any changes to detours, concourse entry points, or curbside access tied to the terminal expansion.
This Article in a Nutshell
RSW’s $1.1 billion terminal expansion (completion 2027) is underway with phased construction, detours, daily Walkway 5 closures, a temporary Concourse C checkpoint, and lane merges near Doors 5–6; travelers should arrive early and follow updated routes.
