RSW Passenger Traffic Declines in July as 680,000 Travelers Pass Through Fort Myers Airport

Southwest Florida International Airport recorded a quieter July, although passenger volume for the first seven months of 2026 remained nearly even with last year.

A total of 680,168 passengers traveled through the Fort Myers airport during July 2026, according to figures released by the Lee County Port Authority. That represents a 5.7 percent decline compared with July 2025.

Despite the monthly decrease, RSW’s year-to-date passenger traffic was down only 0.04 percent. That means overall airport activity through July was essentially unchanged from the same seven-month period in 2025.

The numbers underscore the seasonal nature of air travel in Southwest Florida. RSW generally experiences its greatest passenger demand during the winter and spring tourism seasons, while the hot summer months typically bring lighter traffic.

Delta Leads RSW Airlines in July

Delta Air Lines carried more RSW passengers than any other airline during July, serving 166,696 travelers.

The five busiest carriers were:

• Delta Air Lines: 166,696 passengers
• American Airlines: 127,968 passengers
• Southwest Airlines: 127,170 passengers
• United Airlines: 113,151 passengers
• Breeze Airways: 51,087 passengers

Together, those five airlines accounted for 586,072 passengers—or approximately 86 percent of the airport’s July traffic.

Travelers can review the airport’s current carriers on the RSW airlines page and explore available service through the nonstop-destinations guide.

Commercial Flight Operations Also Decrease

RSW recorded 6,129 aircraft operations during July, a 3.5 percent decrease from the same month last year. An aircraft operation is counted each time an aircraft takes off or lands.

The smaller decline in flight activity compared with passenger volume may reflect several factors, including airline schedules, seasonal demand, aircraft size and the percentage of seats filled on individual flights.

Meanwhile, activity increased sharply at Page Field, the Lee County Port Authority’s general aviation airport in Fort Myers. Page Field recorded 14,968 operations during July, a 30 percent increase from July 2025.

Page Field serves private, corporate, charter, flight-training and other general aviation traffic. The airport also functions as a reliever facility, helping separate smaller aircraft from commercial airline operations at RSW.

RSW Remains a Major Regional Transportation Hub

Southwest Florida International Airport served more than 11.1 million passengers in 2025 and ranks among the 50 busiest U.S. airports for passenger traffic, according to the airport.

Located at 11000 Terminal Access Road in Fort Myers, RSW serves a five-county region that includes Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. The airport reports that 16 airlines provide connections to major U.S. hubs as well as destinations in Canada and Germany.

RSW is also an important contributor to the regional economy. An airport economic-impact study cited by the Lee County Port Authority estimated that RSW generates more than $8.3 billion in annual economic activity and supports 60,485 jobs. Page Field contributes an additional $465 million and supports more than 3,400 jobs.

Suncoast Post previously examined why Fort Myers Airport is one of Southwest Florida’s greatest travel assets.

Airport Expansion Continues

The passenger report comes as RSW continues a major terminal expansion intended to improve efficiency and provide additional space and passenger amenities.

Plans for the first phase include consolidating the airport’s separate security checkpoints into a new 16-lane configuration. The project also calls for additional seating, expanded concession areas, a business lounge and improvements to passenger circulation.

More than 164,000 square feet of existing terminal space is being remodeled, while approximately 117,000 square feet of new walkway and concession space is being added.

The Lee County Port Authority says airport construction and operations do not use local property-tax revenue. Projects are supported through airport-generated revenue, passenger facility charges, bonds and grants, including funding from the Florida Department of Transportation.

Travelers should be aware that construction may periodically affect terminal access, concessions, roadways and pedestrian routes. Current notices and project updates are posted on the airport’s projects and development page.

Additional passenger totals and historical comparisons are available through RSW’s monthly airport statistics. Flight information, parking details, terminal maps and traveler services can be found at FlyLCPA.com, with airport updates also available on the RSW Facebook page.

Related Stories

• Why Fort Myers Airport Is One of Southwest Florida’s Greatest Travel Assets
• Punta Gorda Airport’s $44 Million Expansion Brings Six New Gates, Wolfgang Puck and More Room for Travelers
• Allegiant Adds New Nonstop Flights From Sarasota, St. Pete and Punta Gorda for Spring 2027

Accuracy note: The July passenger, airline and aircraft-operation figures match the Lee County Port Authority release provided. The airport’s 2025 passenger total, airline count, expansion information, funding structure and economic-impact figures were cross-checked against official RSW pages.