DALLAS — After years of anticipation, the redevelopment of Key West International Airport (EYW) is well underway: the new Concourse A opened to travelers on April 14.
The upgrade is a big leap for the rapidly growing airport, upgrading its one run-down terminal space to a modern 48,802-square-foot concourse featuring eight air-conditioned glass jet bridges, the first of its kind in the Florida Keys.
The concourse is built to hurricane standards and the glass curtain wall comprising 446 panels provide an insulated, high-performance envelope.
First Flight Marks a New Era
The inaugural Delta Air Lines (DL) flight 1072 to Atlanta from the new concourse pushed back at 7:00 a.m. to applause from passengers and staff.
The jet bridges, manufactured by ThyssenKrupp for US$1 million each, spare passengers the necessity of crossing the tarmac, a time-honored but increasingly impractical Key West custom.
According to Chris Sloan, despite some initial technical glitches, such as intermittent flashing of flight information screens and a PA system that didn’t seem to work, the opening was successful.
The facility's glass curtain wall is made up of electrochromic panels that adjust to light and can withstand winds of up to 200 mph, giving it a modern appearance.
Additionally, the glazing features bird-safe dots spaced two inches apart to address concerns raised by local wildlife advocates.
Amenities, Expansion
Construction on EYW's new Concourse A has been in the works since late 2022. The second phase of the project began and includes more "upgrades to the existing facility, baggage claim, security checkpoint, and support services," according to the airport.
The terminal renovation is a significant win for travelers everywhere: more seating, availability of USB and AC power, free WiFi, and marble-lined bathrooms. The only operating concessions are the Farm2Air Market and a temporary Conch Flyer bar, although a Chili’s and a Southern Point bar will open in the coming weeks.
A formal grand opening is scheduled for May 21. Other construction projects are underway, including a pedestrian bridge, a new TSA checkpoint, an expanded baggage claim, and the return of the popular “New Friends” sculpture, now housed in a climate-controlled environment.
Funded Without Local Tax Dollars
The US$100 million terminal expansion was funded by Monroe County using a combination of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) grants, airport revenues, US$41.34 million in bond proceeds, and Passenger Facility Charges (PFC).
No local taxes were used. NV2A-Gulf and Keystar Construction were chosen by the county as the project’s joint contractors.
Officials say the project is still within budget, despite a six-month delay. The opening of the subsequent construction phase is anticipated in summer 2026.
Key West Growth Continues
Key West International Airport passenger growth has been significant since 2019, when the airport recorded 969,069 annual enplanements compared to 1.45 million in 2024.
The airport offers service from American Airlines (AA), DL, United Airlines (UA), JetBlue (B6), Allegiant Air (G4) and Silver Airways (3M). Ninety-six percent of passengers are inbound visitors. Breeze Airways (MX) is scheduled to commence operations at the new terminal in June, will further enhance connectivity.
In total, carriers at EYW provide nonstop service to destinations including "Atlanta, New York, Newark, Chicago, Charlotte, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Pittsburgh, Sanford, Tampa, Miami, Philadelphia, Boston, Houston, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Asheville, St. Petersburg, and Washington, D.C."
With demand for air travel surging and more leisure travelers choosing to fly directly into Key West instead of driving, the airport’s upgrades are designed not only to enhance the passenger experience but also to alleviate highway congestion by transferring more tourists from cars to planes.
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May 2025
