A little more than a year after passenger flights returned to Lakeland Linder International Airport, officials say demand is climbing fast — and so is the need to grow.

Since Avelo Airlines launched service in June 2024, what started as a single route has expanded to eight destinations. The airport has already processed more than 100,000 passengers, according to Assistant Airport Director Adam Lunn.

That growth has brought economic benefits, too. Passenger service has generated an estimated $1.5 billion for the region, Lunn said.

Now the airport is preparing for its future. A new 20-year terminal master plan calls for the addition of three gates, expanded concessions, increased parking, and eventually, a parallel runway.

“We’re limited in capacity, so we need to start building for the future,” Lunn said. “We want to ensure customer experience remains front and center.”

The expansion is designed to keep pace with Polk County’s population surge while connecting travelers to nearby airports. Lakeland Linder has already become the 89th busiest airport in the U.S., with a 7,400-foot runway supporting its growing traffic.

The plan is expected to be finalized this month and sent to the Federal Aviation Administration for approval before design work can begin.

Alongside passenger growth, the airport also serves as home to the NOAA Hurricane Hunters and hosts the annual Sun ‘n’ Fun Aerospace Expo.

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(Image credit: Spectrum News/Lizbeth Gutierrez)

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