Key West Airport Opens New Concourse A As Part Of $130M Modernisation And Resilience Project

Posted: 21 May 2025 | | No comments yet

Key West International Airport unveils Concourse A, enhancing passenger experience and storm resilience amid record growth and expanded airline services.

Credit: Key West Airport. Key West International Airport Concourse A Exterior

Key West International Airport (EYW) has celebrated a major milestone in its $130 million modernisation with the grand opening of Concourse A. Spanning 48,802 square feet, the facility has been under construction since late 2022.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the occasion, attended by Monroe County Commissioners, airport staff, and consultants from McFarland Johnson and Mead & Hunt.

Monroe County Mayor Jim Scholl said: “The Key West International Airport Concourse A transformation into the 21st century is an amazing upgrade for arriving and departing passengers… All who pass through this facility will be in awe of the results.”

The project prioritises environmental, social, and economic impact. Designed for resilience, the concourse is built 14.5 feet above ground level, with reinforced structural columns and a 27-foot-high glass curtain wall featuring 446 impact-resistant panels rated for 200 mph winds. Electrochromic smart glass adjusts to sunlight, while bird-safe glazing, developed in collaboration with wildlife organisations, prevents avian collisions.

John Mafera of McFarland Johnson noted: “Reimagining the Key West Airport required us to focus on airport efficiencies and delivering a greatly improved customer experience while also addressing environmental impacts, long-term sustainability, and hurricane standards.”

Executive Director of Airports Richard Strickland praised the work: “Having McFarland Johnson as our lead consultant… has resulted in an outstanding new facility at Key West International Airport, one that will last well into the future.”

Phase two is now underway, including a pedestrian bridge, expanded baggage claim and arrivals area, a new security checkpoint, and more, with completion due summer 2026.

Passenger numbers have surged at Key West, with 1.5 million served in 2024. Airlines now operating include American, Delta, United, JetBlue, Allegiant, Silver, and new addition Breeze Airways, offering nonstop flights to over 20 US cities.

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Accessibility, Airport construction and design, Airside operations, Innovation, Passenger experience and seamless travel, Regulation and Legislation, Safety, Sustainability, Terminal operations

Key West International Airport (EYW)

Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Breeze Airways, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Silver Airways, United Airlines

North America

Jim Scholl, John Mafera, Richard Strickland