Key West International Airport opens new Concourse A in $130 million upgrade

Key Takeaways

• Key West International Airport completed a $130 million transformation including Concourse A with eight air-conditioned glass jet bridges.
• Upgrades doubled baggage capacity, expanded TSA lanes by four, and added luxury amenities to improve traveler comfort and safety.
• Funding came from FAA/FDOT grants, bond sales, passenger fees; no local taxes were used for the project.

Key West International Airport’s $130 million transformation is one of the biggest changes the region has seen in years. This project is not just about building a larger space; it’s about making travel to the Florida Keys easier, safer, and more comfortable. The airport stands as a front door to this island paradise, and its new look and features are set to welcome even more visitors from across the United States and beyond.

A Major Step Forward for the Florida Keys

The airport sits at a unique spot. Surrounded by water and with limited room to grow, Key West International Airport has to serve increasing numbers of tourists and residents without much space to spread out. The $130 million transformation is the largest public infrastructure project Monroe County has ever taken on. Monroe County Mayor Jim Scholl summed up the upgrade well when he said, “The floor-to-ceiling glass on the concourse…the first-class amenities make Key West’s small airport a world class destination hub. All who pass through this facility will be in awe.”

Let’s take a look at what’s making travelers stop and stare.

The Heart of the Transformation: Concourse A

At the center of this change is Concourse A, a brand-new building that opened in April 2025. Covering over 48,800 square feet, this addition almost feels like a mini-mall mixed with a luxury waiting area. Eight air-conditioned glass jet bridges are a first for the Keys. These bridges let travelers walk comfortably to and from their planes without baking in the sun or getting soaked in a sudden downpour. Before this, passengers often had to walk on the tarmac outside, which was not always comfortable—especially in storms or extreme heat.

The new setup gives people plenty of seating, work tables with power outlets for charging devices, and free WiFi. These changes might seem small, but they can turn a stressful travel day into a smoother experience. New marble-lined restrooms add a luxury touch, and the updated baggage carousels double the capacity for handling luggage. For many families or groups, quicker baggage claim means less time waiting and more time hitting the beach.

Even security, often seen as the slowest part of air travel, gets an upgrade. Expanded TSA lanes will be fully complete by September 2025. This should help travelers move through security checks faster, especially during holidays or busy weekends.

Food, Fun, and Local Flavor

Travelers who get hungry waiting for their flights will soon see more food options than ever before. The famous bar, Conch Flyer—known to visitors and locals since the 1970s—gets a fresh new look. Other choices like Chili’s restaurant, Southern Point Bar, First Call Beach Bar in baggage claim, and Farm2Air Market make dining at the airport a real highlight rather than an afterthought. These options give people a taste of the Keys spirit before they even leave the airport.

Built for Hurricanes and the Environment

Weather in the Florida Keys can be wild. Hurricanes are a serious threat. So, the new terminal is made to face nature’s toughest challenges. Thick glass walls, consisting of 446 special panels, can handle winds up to 200 miles per hour. The glass is not only strong but smart—it adjusts to block sunlight without shutting out the views. This means the inside is cool and bright, while the airport stays energy efficient.

Importantly, the glass is also bird-safe. Scientists and local residents raised concerns about birds hitting big glass windows, which can be tragic for local wildlife. To help, the airport’s windows were designed with special features to stop bird collisions before they happen.

Helping More Visitors Arrive – and Arrive Happy

Key West’s economy relies heavily on tourism. Almost every visitor who comes to the Keys uses the airport. Officials say inbound passengers make up about 96% of all traffic to and from Key West International Airport. Still, only about a quarter of overnight guests fly directly into Key West. Most drive from Miami or elsewhere, often on the famous but crowded U.S. Highway One.

The new Concourse A allows the airport to handle more direct flights and bigger crowds. At the moment, six airlines use Key West International, connecting the island to more than 20 cities across the United States. In June, Breeze Airways will join them, opening up fresh routes for vacationers and locals alike.

Passenger numbers have jumped sharply in recent years. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer than one million people passed through the airport each year. By 2024, that number hit more than 1.45 million—a huge jump of nearly 50% in just five years. Visiting the Keys has become more attractive for families looking for a relaxing getaway after the pandemic, and airlines have answered that demand with more flight options.

By making it easier to fly directly into Key West International Airport, the project does more than just boost tourism. It also helps ease road congestion on the only highway running down the length of the Keys. Fewer cars mean safer roads and less pollution, making things better for everyone—locals and tourists alike.

Funding Without Local Taxes: How the Project Was Paid For

A project this large costs money—$130 million, in fact. But county residents watching their budgets don’t have to worry. Not a single dollar of this total came from local taxes. How did the airport pay for it all? The answer is a mix of grants, bonds, and fees built into air travel.

• $41.34 million came from bond sales—money borrowed and paid back over time, much like a mortgage.
• Large grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Florida Department of Transportation covered a major slice, showing how important the airport is statewide and nationally.
• Passenger Facility Charges (extra charges you might see on your airline ticket) and the airport’s own earnings made up the rest.

This careful funding structure meant the region could get the improvements it needed without putting stress on local government budgets. To learn more about how airports fund projects like this, you can check the FAA’s official guidance on airport funding.

Features Designed for Today’s, and Tomorrow’s, Travelers

Let’s break down some features that stand out in the $130 million transformation:

• Concourse A: A 48,800+ square foot area, doubling the airport’s size with room for more flights and guests.
• Eight Air-Conditioned Glass Jet Bridges: Keeps travelers cool and sheltered from rain or wind while boarding.
• Marble-Lined Restrooms and Modern Amenities: Clean, comfortable spaces that match big-city airports.
• Baggage Handling: With upgraded carousels, the airport can now handle twice as much luggage, speeding up the wait after arrival.
• Expanded TSA Security Lanes: Four lanes should move people through security more quickly and ease crowding, especially in busy travel seasons.
• Dining and Bars: Fresh meal and drink options mean visitors can relax and enjoy local flavors, even on a short layover.
• Hurricane Protection: Specially engineered glass and solid walls keep passengers and workers safe during even the strongest storms.
• Sustainability and Bird Safety: Advanced window panels save energy and help protect local wildlife.
• Accessibility: A pedestrian bridge connecting terminals and parking will open in 2026, making it easier for everyone, including people with disabilities, to move through the airport.
• Rental Cars: An enlarged counter area speeds up the process of getting a car and starting an adventure.

What These Changes Mean for the Community

The $130 million transformation isn’t just about tourists—it’s also about building a stronger community. The airport is one of the region’s largest employers and plays a big role during hurricanes or other natural disasters. Making it more storm-resistant keeps people safer and helps the entire Keys recover quickly after an emergency.

Upgrades to Concourse A and other airport spaces also give a visitor a better first impression of the Keys. When you land in a clean, comfortable, and easy-to-navigate terminal, you’re more likely to start your trip in a good mood—and maybe start thinking about your next visit before you even leave.

Business owners across Monroe County will feel these benefits, too. More direct flights and a better airport experience can lead to more visitors—meaning more dollars spent at hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions. In time, stronger tourism can support better services and quality of life for year-round residents.

A Look at the Numbers: Recap Table

Here’s a summary of the main features of the Key West International Airport $130 million transformation:

Long-Term Effects and What’s Next

The impact of this transformation will stretch far into the future. The upgrades make travel to Key West more appealing and comfortable for everyone. By staying prepared for the region’s tough weather and planning for future growth, the airport shows its commitment to both residents and visitors.

Officials expect that as more airlines join and as airline service increases, direct travel to the Keys will become easier. Over time, this could lower the number of cars and buses on the highway—a big relief for people who live and work in the region.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, projects like the Key West International Airport $130 million transformation serve as strong examples for other island airports in the United States 🇺🇸 and around the world. By thoughtfully blending comfort, safety, and environmental planning, these spaces can support tourism, grow the local economy, and stay ready for what the future brings.

Staying Informed and Planning Your Trip

If you’re thinking about flying into Key West International Airport, you can find up-to-date arrival and departure information, as well as details about the completed and upcoming phases of the $130 million transformation, directly on the official Key West International Airport website. Whether you’re coming for a vacation or planning to move to Monroe County, knowing what to expect at the airport can make your trip start smoothly.

Summary

Key West International Airport’s $130 million transformation, highlighted by the creation of Concourse A, stands as a major leap forward for the Florida Keys. With more comfort, stronger hurricane protections, more food options, and a friendlier experience for all travelers, the project promises to support tourism growth and grow the local economy for years to come. Whether you’re flying in as a visitor or calling the Keys home, the new airport is designed to give everyone a warm, welcoming start to their island adventure.

Learn Today

Concourse A → A new 48,800+ sq ft terminal area added for flights and passenger services at Key West Airport.
Jet Bridge → An enclosed, air-conditioned walkway connecting airplanes with the terminal for safer, comfortable boarding.
TSA → Transportation Security Administration responsible for screening passengers and ensuring airport security in the US.
Passenger Facility Charges → Fees added to airline tickets to help airports fund infrastructure and facility improvements.
Bond Sales → Debt instruments sold to investors to raise funds for large projects, repaid over time with interest.

This Article in a Nutshell

Key West International Airport’s $130 million upgrade revolutionizes travel with Concourse A, advanced glass jet bridges, and hurricane-resistant design, boosting tourism and easing road congestion in the Florida Keys while enhancing comfort and safety for millions of annual visitors.
— By VisaVerge.com

Read more:

• Asheville Regional Airport Unveils Bold New North Concourse
• American Airlines to offer single rooms for flight attendant trainees
• United Airlines widens lead over American at Chicago O’Hare
• Morgantown Airport aims for 10,000 annual enplanements to secure key funding
• Palm Beach International Airport sees surge in private aviation demand