BAY COUNTY, Fla. — The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is looking back on a year of major improvements — and looking ahead to even bigger plans.

Airport officials say recent construction projects, including a newly completed baggage handling area and ongoing terminal build-out, are already making travel more efficient and comfortable for passengers traveling through one of Florida’s fastest-growing airports.

But the airport isn’t slowing down yet. Leaders say more expansions and upgrades are on the way as part of a long-term vision to keep pace with rising passenger traffic.

“As we look toward the future, we have the 80,000-square-foot terminal expansion that hopefully we’re going to be getting the guaranteed maximum price later in August and have a meeting so that we can begin with the components of that and move forward with the development of that additional gates area,” said Airport Executive Director Parker McClellan.

Next Phase: 80,000-Square-Foot Terminal Addition

The next big milestone is the airport’s planned terminal expansion, which will add more gates, a new baggage claim area, and a modernized security checkpoint to streamline the passenger experience. The improvements are designed to handle more flights and larger crowds as the region’s popularity with tourists and business travelers grows.

McClellan said the design, financial planning, and contractor coordination are falling into place. He expects to get the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) from the project’s contractor soon — a key step that will help the board lock in the construction budget and timeline.

Timeline Moving Ahead

A special meeting has already been scheduled for August 21 to review and vote on the GMP. If approved, airport leaders hope to swiftly finalize agreements and break ground on the critical infrastructure that will support the expansion.

“The components are coming together in order for the project to move forward,” McClellan said. “This expansion will give us the flexibility to better serve our growing number of travelers while ensuring the airport remains efficient and modern.”

Keeping Momentum

The airport’s leaders say they’re focused on meeting rising demand without sacrificing the local feel and ease of use that passengers value. Officials also say the recent bag room upgrade and terminal improvements are early examples of how construction investments translate into smoother travel for everyone.

Passengers and local businesses have already felt the benefits, with faster bag handling and more space in the terminal during peak travel times. The expansion will build on those improvements, giving Northwest Florida a competitive edge as a gateway for visitors from across the country.

What’s Next

The new terminal area is part of the airport’s master plan for the next three years, which includes expanding parking, improving access roads, and continuing to modernize its operations behind the scenes.

Stay tuned for updates after the special meeting in August, when final details about the project cost, timeline, and groundbreaking will be announced.

📍 Location: Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, Bay County, Florida
🗓️ Next Meeting: August 21, 2025

Originally reported by Grace Velez in My Pan Handle.