Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport plans to open a new concourse adding five gates for Southwest Airlines as part of a major terminal upgrade.
The new Concourse A is the centerpiece of a $333 million revitalization and expansion of Terminal 1 and will serve as a significant Southwest international hub. Southwest will begin service from FLL to Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (PLS) on Nov. 5, joining routes launched on June 4 to Grand Cayman (GCM), Belize (TZA), Montego Bay (MBJ) and Cancun (CUN).
“These new gates, additional border screening capacity, and the arts and flavor of South Florida will be a hit with hundreds of thousands of Southwest’s local customers who prefer our all-in friendliness and value,” said Gary Kelly, chairman and chief executive officer of Southwest Airlines.
The Terminal 1 modernization includes a new post-security connection linking the terminal’s three concourses. Today, passengers leaving one concourse must exit the secure area and pass through security again to access another concourse. When the renovation is complete, a single security checkpoint will serve all three concourses, streamlining connections and reducing wait times.
The project also expands both pre- and post-security concession space and adds more restrooms, an improved and expanded gate seating area, and a separate relief station for traveling pets. These enhancements aim to improve passenger comfort and convenience throughout the terminal. The expansion is scheduled for completion by the end of 2017.