40 Facts About Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

Location and History

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is a key hub for travelers in the region. Let's dive into some fascinating details about its location and history.

1. Location: RSW is situated about 10 miles southeast of Fort Myers, covering a sprawling 13,555 acres of land.
2. Airport Code: The code RSW stands for "Regional South-West," reflecting its regional importance.
3. History: Certified for operation in May 1983, it was initially named Southwest Florida Regional Airport. In 1993, it was renamed to Southwest Florida International Airport to highlight its growing international service.

Infrastructure and Facilities

RSW boasts impressive infrastructure and facilities designed to handle a high volume of passengers and aircraft operations efficiently.

4. Runway: The airport has a single runway, Runway 06/24, which is 12,000 feet long and 150 feet wide, made of asphalt.
5. Passenger Traffic: In 2023, RSW served over 10 million passengers, ranking it among the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic.
6. Aircraft Operations: The airport had 87,685 aircraft operations in 2023, averaging 240 per day.
7. Terminal Facilities: The terminal spans 798,000 square feet, designed to handle 10 million passengers annually with 28 gates across three concourses (B, C, and D). It can expand to accommodate up to 65 gates on five concourses (A-E).
8. Parking: RSW offers 11,250 parking spaces around the main terminal and a three-story parking structure for short-term parking. A 30-space "cell-phone lot" is available for those picking up arriving passengers.
9. Accessibility: The airport is ADA compliant, ensuring all facilities are accessible to travelers with disabilities.

Airlines and Destinations

RSW connects Southwest Florida to numerous domestic and international destinations through a variety of airlines.

10. Airlines: Sixteen airlines provide nonstop service to various destinations from RSW, including international flights to Canada and Germany.
11. Destinations: Fourteen airlines offer nonstop service to 57 destinations, including major gateways like Atlanta, Chicago, and New York.
12. International Service: RSW offers international nonstop flights to Canada, Cuba, and Europe, making it a significant hub for international travel in the region.

Transportation and Accessibility

Getting to and from RSW is convenient with multiple transportation options available for travelers.

13. Car Rental Options: Several car rental companies operate at the airport, providing convenient transportation options.
14. Public Transportation: LeeTran Airport Service offers hourly service between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. to a transfer point at Daniels Parkway and U.S. 41, with connections to other routes.
15. Taxi and Limousine Services: Taxi and limousine services are available, offering an alternative to car rentals and public transportation.
16. Visitor Information: Information booths are located in the upper level atriums and lower level baggage claim areas, where travelers can get directions, maps, and information about the region.

Environmental and Noise Management

RSW is committed to environmental conservation and noise management to minimize its impact on the surrounding areas.

17. Environmental Conservation: Approximately 6,000 acres of the airport's land have been conserved as swamp lands and set aside for environmental mitigation.
18. Noise Mitigation: The FAA has approved RSW’s recommended operational measures for overflight mitigation based on the 2013 Noise Study, ensuring noise exposure does not impact residential or other noise-sensitive areas.

Operational Details

RSW operates around the clock, ensuring seamless travel for passengers at any time of the day.

19. Operational Hours: The airport is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with scheduled service typically beginning at approximately 6 a.m. EST and ending between 12-1 a.m. EST.
20. Flight Patterns: Aircraft arrive and depart into the wind to maximize aerodynamic lift. At RSW, about 80 percent of takeoffs are to the northeast with landings from the southwest, and 20 percent are to the southwest with landings from the northeast and east.
21. Flight Corridors: Aircraft tend to fly within broad airspace corridors directed by the FAA. Areas impacted most by aircraft operations are mainly those in the noise zones and off the extended centerline for each runway and near the airspace corridors/flight patterns.

Future Expansion and Governance

RSW has plans for future expansion and is governed by a dedicated authority to ensure smooth operations.

22. Future Expansion: Plans are underway to construct a future parallel runway south of the current runway, which will be analyzed and included in future noise studies. The timing of this expansion depends on various industry and economic factors.
23. Airport Authority: The Lee County Port Authority was established in 1987 to operate Southwest Florida International Airport and Page Field. The Port Authority is an enterprise fund supported by revenue generated from its operations, with no ad valorem (property) taxes used.
24. Board of Port Commissioners: The Port Authority is governed by a five-member Board of Port Commissioners, each elected for four-year terms by voters throughout Lee County. The commissioners represent specific geographic districts within Lee County.
25. Special Management Committee: The Airports Special Management Committee serves as an advisory board to the Port Commissioners, reviewing policy, administrative, and management matters for both airports. Each commissioner appoints one committee member, along with two regional members representing Collier and Charlotte counties.
26. Meeting Dates: Board meetings are held in the Airport Training and Conference Center located at Southwest Florida International Airport. For a current schedule of meeting dates and times, please visit the official website.

Awards and Recognition

RSW has received several accolades for its services and facilities, highlighting its commitment to excellence.

27. Awards and Recognition: RSW has received several awards, including being ranked 2nd among North American airports with under 10 million annual passengers in the J.D. Power & Associates Airport Satisfaction Study. It was also named the Florida Department of Transportation's 2008 Commercial Airport of the Year and won first place in Airports Council International-North America's Excellence in Marketing and Communications for Special Events in 2008.

Terminal Layout and Expansion

The terminal at RSW is designed to handle a large number of passengers efficiently, with plans for future expansion.

28. Terminal Layout: The airport has one terminal with three concourses: Concourse B serves Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Eurowings, Frontier, Southwest, and Sun Country; Concourse C serves Delta, United, and WestJet; and Concourse D serves American, Breeze, JetBlue, and Spirit. Customs and Immigration services for international flights are located on the lower level of Concourse B.
29. Concourse Expansion: The expansion underway will consolidate the three checkpoints into one. Concourse E is planned to be added on the west side of the terminal by 2027, with Concourse A reserved for an eventual fifth concourse to be added on the east side of the terminal.

Additional Facts

Here are some more interesting facts about RSW that highlight its significance and operational details.

30. Runway Length: The runway at RSW is the fourth-longest in Florida, measuring 12,000 feet in length. This length accommodates international service and larger aircraft.
31. Federal Inspection Facility: A 55,000 square foot Federal Inspection facility was annexed to the original terminal's Concourse A in 1993, supporting international flights and U.S. Customs operations.
32. Airport Size: RSW is the third-largest airport in the United States in terms of land size, covering 13,555 acres. This large size allows for future expansion and development.
33. Aircraft Types: The airport handles a variety of aircraft types, from small regional jets to large commercial airliners, ensuring it can accommodate diverse passenger needs.
34. Flight Schedules: Each airline is responsible for its own flight schedule, including late-night and early-morning flights. The heaviest daily travel periods are early to mid-morning and mid-afternoon to early evening, subject to change based on customer demand.
35. Noise Exposure: The airport's noise exposure is managed through voluntary measures outlined in the 2013 Noise Study. This study ensures noise levels do not impact residential areas or other noise-sensitive zones.
36. Future Parallel Runway: Plans for a future parallel runway are underway, which will be located south of the current runway. This expansion will help manage increased air traffic and reduce overflights in residential areas.
37. Airport Services: RSW offers a range of services, including car rentals, taxi and limousine services, public transportation, and visitor information booths. These services aim to provide a seamless travel experience for passengers.
38. Regional Impact: The airport plays a crucial role in the regional economy, serving as a gateway to the beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and world-renowned attractions of Southwest Florida. It is located within easy driving distance to major attractions like Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, and the Everglades.
39. Board of Port Commissioners: The Port Authority is governed by a five-member Board of Port Commissioners, each elected for four-year terms by voters throughout Lee County. The commissioners represent specific geographic districts within Lee County.
40. Special Management Committee: The Airports Special Management Committee serves as an advisory board to the Port Commissioners, reviewing policy, administrative, and management matters for both airports. Each commissioner appoints one committee member, along with two regional members representing Collier and Charlotte counties.

RSW: A Key Gateway to Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) stands out as a vital hub for the region. With its strategic location just 10 miles southeast of Fort Myers, it serves millions of passengers annually. The airport's single 12,000-foot runway and expansive terminal facilities ensure efficient operations. RSW's commitment to environmental conservation and noise mitigation highlights its dedication to the community. The airport's future expansion plans, including a parallel runway, promise to accommodate growing air traffic. Governed by the Lee County Port Authority, RSW continues to receive accolades for its service and facilities. With nonstop flights to numerous destinations, including international routes, RSW connects travelers to the world. Whether you're heading to the beautiful beaches of Southwest Florida or flying out for business, RSW offers a seamless travel experience. This airport truly plays a crucial role in the regional economy and the lives of its passengers.