Allegiant Air to operate all 5 gates at the new Sarasota Bradenton airport terminal

James A. Jones Jr.
·2 min read

Allegiant Air, the low-cost airline that’s played a leading role in making Sarasota Bradenton International the fastest-growing airport in the United States, will be taking all five gates in the new terminal now under construction.

The planned terminal doesn’t look like much now. It’s basically just a dirt construction site where underground utilities are being installed on the east side of the ticket counter.

But by December, 2024, when construction is scheduled to be completed, the new ground-level terminal will have 970 seats —630 with power for phones and other electronic devices — five gates, a four-lane security checkpoint, nursing rooms, a pet relief area and restrooms.

Allegiant’s move into the new terminal would also free up three gates in the existing terminal.

“The future looks very bright,” Rick Piccolo, the airport’s president and CEO, said Monday in announcing Allegiant’s planned move into the new terminal.

Connection to new resort

With more gates to work with, Piccolo said he thought Allegiant would be adding more destinations. Another factor in Allegiant’s potential expansion at SRQ could be its Sunseeker Resort that it is working to complete and open near Punta Gorda.

“We are working diligently to complete the construction on our new premier resort and are expected to be open for welcoming guests in Oct. 2023. We are now accepting reservations for bookings beginning Oct. 16, 2023, the company says on its website.

Sunseeker is planned as an all-in-one destination resort within reach of Fort Myers and Sarasota.

Other airlines

“Without a doubt, you’ll see more destinations,” Piccolo said.

A year ago, airlines were already expressing interest in the planned terminal expansion.

“Just about every airline has expressed some interest in the ground-level transportation facility. Some airlines have said they would take the whole thing tomorrow if you’d let me,” Piccolo said in April 2022.

Allegiant began offering service at SRQ in April 2018 with three non-stop destinations. It now offers 29 nonstops.

Southwest began serving SRQ in February 2021 and now offers 21 destinations.

Prior to the arrival of Allegiant, SRQ was served by six airlines and offered nonstop flights to 12 destinations. It now offers more than 50 destinations.

New contract

Monday, the Sarasota Airport Authority agreed to enter into contract negotiations with Prime Engineering of Atlanta for planning, engineering and architectural design for air cargo expansion and the vehicle storage facility.

The project is related to the rapid passenger growth the airport is experiencing.

In April, SRQ served 451,036 passengers, compared to 386,013 passengers in April 2022, a 17% increase and a record for the month.

Allegiant has helped drive record passenger traffic at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. The low-cost carrier had three planes parked at the terminal when this photo was take 11/18/2020.
Allegiant has helped drive record passenger traffic at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. The low-cost carrier had three planes parked at the terminal when this photo was take 11/18/2020.
11/13/2019--Travelers line up at SRQ’s Allegiant ticket counter to check their bags. The low-cost carrier has helped drive passenger traffic at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport to record levels. This file photo was taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
11/13/2019--Travelers line up at SRQ’s Allegiant ticket counter to check their bags. The low-cost carrier has helped drive passenger traffic at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport to record levels. This file photo was taken prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.