Southwest Florida International Airport
One of the top 50 U.S. airports by passenger traffic and the second-busiest single-runway airport in the nation.
Overview of the Airport
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is located southeast of Fort Myers and serves as the primary gateway for the Southwest Florida region, including Cape Coral, Naples, and Punta Gorda. The airport covers 13,555 acres, making it the third-largest in the U.S. by land area.
26.53611, -81.75528
Growth Trend
Passenger traffic increased by 9.5% in 2024 compared to 2023.
Employment
8,000
Employees include airline staff, ground services, concessions, security, and airport operations personnel.
Global Ranking
Market Share of Major Airlines
Capacity Expansion
A $1.1 billion terminal expansion, including a consolidated security checkpoint and new concourse, will increase capacity by 2027.
Technological Advancements
Deployment of advanced security screening, expanded self-service kiosks, and upgraded passenger amenities are underway.
Sustainability Initiatives
Ongoing wetland conservation, energy-efficient terminal upgrades, and environmental mitigation projects support sustainability goals.
General Stats
Comprehensive passenger capacity profiles and geographical insights.
View General Stats→Latest News & Updates
Recent developments and updates for Southwest Florida International Airport.
RSW Terminal expansion | Pedestrian Bridge/Crosswalk changes between terminal and parking garage
The Lee County Port Authority is continuing work on terminal roadway improvements as part of the Terminal Expansion Project Phase 2 at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). On Tuesday, March ...
Exclusive photos: See how RSW's new concourse is changing the look of the Fort Myers airport
When the new concourse opens at RSW it will add 14 additional gates at the Fort Myers airport.
Some food, retail options closing permanently at RSW. What to know
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is undergoing a major terminal expansion project. Several food, beverage, and retail locations will permanently close in February 2026. Closures include ...
Operations Logistics & Timelines
Step-by-step process transit times for passengers and cargo.
For Clients
Passenger process times from arrival to gate.
- Arrival & Baggage Claim5-15 mins
- Check-in (if applicable)10-30 mins
- TSA Security Screening20-60 mins
- Gate Check-in & Boarding5-15 mins
- Waiting at Gate10-30 mins
For Employees
Cargo handling deadlines and operational procedures.
- General Cargo Cut-off60 mins pre-departure
- Cargo Drop-offAs early as possible
- Weight and Measurement VerificationUpon arrival
- Documentation ReviewPrior to departure
- Security ScreeningMandatory for all cargo
- Baggage HandlingIntegrated with passenger baggage
- Last Minute ChecksBefore loading onto aircraft
Passengers' Tips & Tricks
- 1
Arrive Early
Due to peak travel times, especially during hurricane season and holidays, allow ample time for check-in, security screening, and potential delays. Southwest Airlines encourages arriving at least 2 hours before domestic flights.
- 2
Terminal Familiarization
RSW has a single main terminal. Familiarize yourself with the terminal layout beforehand using the airport map (available online or at the information desk) to quickly locate your gate and amenities.
- 3
Mobile Check-In & Boarding
Utilize Southwest's mobile app to check-in online and download your boarding pass. This streamlines the process and reduces wait times at the ticket counter.
- 4
Security Screening Pro Tips
To expedite security screening, ensure your carry-on items meet Southwest's size restrictions, remove liquids and gels from your bag, and have your boarding pass and ID readily available.
- 5
Rental Car Options
Pre-book your rental car through the airport's car rental services or the Southwest Airlines Marketplace for potential discounts and convenience upon arrival.
Cargo Tips & Tricks
- 1
Book in Advance
Air freight capacity at RSW is highly dynamic. Booking shipments well in advance, particularly during peak seasons like tourist season and holidays, ensures access to available space and potentially better rates.
- 2
Utilize SWACargo Services
Southwest Airlines Cargo, operated by Alliance Ground International, is the primary handler at RSW. Leveraging their services for pickup, delivery, and customs clearance is crucial for efficient cargo operations.
- 3
Strategic Location Awareness
RSW is approximately 26 kilometers from Fort Myers. Factor this distance into your delivery schedules and plan for ground transportation logistics to minimize delays.
- 4
Temperature Control Considerations
Currently, SWACargo does not offer cooled storage facilities at the RSW facility. Ensure shipments are properly temperature-controlled during transit and utilize third-party solutions if required.
- 5
Leverage Airport Statistics
Utilize the available airport statistics from Lee County Port Authority (LCPA) to anticipate passenger traffic trends, which can directly impact cargo flow and scheduling decisions.
Tools & Resources
Essential tools, portals, and resources for clients and partners.
Data & Reports
Official statistics, research reports, and data tracking for Southwest Florida International Airport.
Airport Statistics | Southwest Florida International
Access monthly statistics, financial reports, and budgets for RSW and Page Field airports. View passenger traffic and operational data.
Southwest Florida International Airport Statistics 2025
Commercial air carrier operations moved from Page Field to Southwest Florida Regional Airport on May 14, 1983. On May 14, 1993, the airport became Southwest Florida International Airport. On Sept. 9, 2005, all operations moved to a new terminal complex.
Southwest Florida Airport Facts & Figures - Passenger Boarding (Enplanement) and All-Cargo Data for U.S...
Passenger boarding and all-cargo data is collected for a full calendar year and is used in calculating airport categories and entitlements for the next full fiscal year.
Passenger Boarding (Enplanement) and All-Cargo Data for U.S...
Passenger boarding and all-cargodatais collected for a full calendar year and is used in calculatingairportcategories and entitlements for the next full fiscal year (i.e., Calendar Year 2025datadetermines Fiscal Year 2027 category and funds).
RSW - Florida Department of Transportation
Explore a current digital version of this airport’s information below. The airport data shown below came from annual public airport inspection and licensing records and data provided by airport owners and managers.
Air Cargo - Bureau of Transportation Statistics
A range of statistics covering passenger volumes, total number of flights and number of flights to and from destinations with connections to Southwest Florida Airport
Passenger Boarding (Enplanement) and All-Cargo Data for U.S...
Passenger boarding and all-cargodatais collected for a full calendar year and is used in calculatingairportcategories and entitlements for the next full fiscal year (i.e., Calendar Year 2025datadetermines Fiscal Year 2027 category and funds).
Location & Maps
Find Southwest Florida International Airport on popular mapping services.
Interactive Map
Map Legend
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Recommendations
Policy Alignment
Continue collaboration with federal agencies to secure infrastructure funding and enhance regulatory compliance.
Infrastructure Investment
Prioritize terminal modernization and airfield expansion to accommodate future growth and operational resilience.
Sustainability Focus
Accelerate adoption of green building standards and sustainable operations to meet environmental benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common inquiries about operations and logistics at Southwest Florida International Airport.
What are the terminals at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)?
RSW has two terminals: Terminal A and Terminal B.
How long is the security line typically at RSW?
Security wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day and day of the week. Check the TSA website for real-time wait times before your flight.
What transportation options are available from RSW?
Various options are available, including taxi, ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft), airport shuttle services, and rental car agencies. There are also private transfer services like Checkmate Sprinters.
Where can I check in for my Southwest flight at RSW?
You can check in for your Southwest flight at the Southwest Airlines ticket counter, located in both Terminal A and Terminal B.
For More Info
Third-party resources, government portals, ratings, and more.
