The growing Florida population has made the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport a busy hub. With eleven airlines, it reported one million passengers in the first three months of 2022.
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is three miles north of downtown Sarasota and six miles from Bradenton. It occupies 1102 acres with a thirty-foot elevation. Moreover, it has two terminals, B & D, with terminal B being the largest with thirteen gates. There are two asphalt runways.
The airport has been witnessing immense growth. It is not only in the number of flights it handles each day but also in the outside development, especially in terms of properties.
The reason behind the change of course in growth and development
According to a recent Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority report, aircraft operations have grown by 8.99% from last year. Airline passengers have increased by 57.30% from 2021. This is a quick transformation within a short time.
The 2022 reports also show that over 386,000 passengers used SRQ to travel. This is a whopping 31% increase from what it was like in April 2021.
The number of people moving to Florida is one of the main reasons behind such pivotal growth. Most people have been relocating to the sunshine state for some time now. It’s a state with many advantages that people want to enjoy.
One primary appeal in Florida has to be its weather. It’s usually sunny and warm all year round, which is the ideal weather for most people. Moreover, Florida features exciting attractions, and breathtaking scenes, especially the gorgeous beaches. The population in Florida is also diverse, and the most exciting part is there are no state income taxes.
Another potential reason why this airport is breaking records is it has nonstop flights to more than fifty-three destinations. Finding a flight that reaches your goal directly can be tricky, so it could be another reason why people prefer it.
The challenges at SRQ — and their solutions
The many operations taking place in this airport have led to the demand for more services. Another challenge experienced is long lines due to many passengers traveling simultaneously. The main parking places outside the terminal are usually packed with many cars at the arrival and departure gates.
According to the management of SRQ, they are in the process of building five more gates. This project will take one and a half years to two years to complete.
Moreover, the airport is in the process of creating over 1400 new parking spaces. It is also looking at constructing a new ground transportation center and expanding the checkpoint area. All these projects are likely to cost over $150 million to complete.
As the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport continues to experience unpredicted growth, it is also dealing with rising fuel prices.
This airport is, however, a place of convenience for most people in southwest Florida. Residents do not need to drive to St. Pete, Tampa or Miami airports to board their planes anymore. Moreover, the SRQ checking lines and the take-off and landing plane lines are significantly shorter. Whether you arrive or depart for pleasure, business, or both, SRQ will fly you through their easy, convenient terminal.
