Just a year after opening, Gulf Shores airport launches major terminal expansion

By John Sharp | jsharp@al.com

Alabama’s newest commercial airport opened just over a year ago at a cost of about $8 million.

Now, thanks to rapid growth at Gulf Shores International Airport, plans are underway for a major expansion. By May 2027, the airport expects to open a $15 million addition that will include a new terminal concourse, expanded baggage claim area, outdoor patio, dedicated mothers’ nursing room, and additional food, beverage and retail options. In addition, the expansion will include approximately 300 new parking spaces.

A groundbreaking announcement occurred Tuesday. The project will be overseen by Trip Tek Construction LLC and is expected to be completed before the summer 2027 flight schedule begins in May.

Airport officials also unveiled renderings by Populous Fentress Studios showing what the expanded facility will look like when construction is complete.

The project will receive additional funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Gulf Shores received a $2 million Federal Aviation Administration Airport Terminal Program grant funded through the law. Two years ago, the federal infrastructure program also provided $5 million for construction of the airport’s initial terminal.

Airport Director Jesse Fosnaugh said the expansion is being financed through a $20 million line-of-credit.

“We are working to secure additional contributions from stakeholders as the project advances,” he said. “The ultimate goal will be to secure long-term financing once the project is completed and all contributions and actual construction costs materialize.”

The expansion comes as the airport continues to post strong passenger growth. More than 34,000 passengers traveled through Gulf Shores International Airport in June, the highest monthly total since Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air began service there in May 2025.

During June, flights to the airport’s 13 destinations operated with an average load factor of 78%, a measure comparing the number of passengers on a flight to the aircraft’s seating capacity.

During its first 12 months of commercial service, the airport recorded 104,000 enplanements, representing passengers departing on Allegiant flights. Airport officials said in May that the first-year results had “exceeded expectations.”

“We have been in lockstep with Allegiant throughout this process,” Fosnaugh said. “Measured growth allows for greater route scheduling opportunities, increased space for our passengers, and more supporting infrastructure. Even though we are growing, we will keep the airport experience quick, easy, inexpensive, and cheers. The ‘small-community’ feel of the airport is paramount to our mission.”

Fosnaugh said the new terminal will feature two gates with the ability to expand to four.

“Currently we are operating with a gate area that can handle only one flight at a time, so having two gates will allow for two aircraft on the ground at the same time with a third aircraft capable within an hour of one of the two leaving,” he said. “This equates to nearly three times the throughput of the current terminal, depending on flight activity and passenger load factor.”

Construction will affect portions of the terminal area and adjacent parking facilities. Fosnaugh said travelers should expect some “operational challenges” during the project, but added that the “end goal” is to better serve customers.

Read more : Just a year after opening, Gulf Shores airport launches major terminal expansion - al.com