St. Pete-Clearwater Int’l Airport Breaks a Record

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) is celebrating a major milestone, having experienced its busiest July on record with 295,268 passengers passing through its terminals. This achievement reflects a 1% increase in passenger traffic for the year and a 2% rise in domestic travel. As the airport continues to grow in popularity, PIE is preparing for a significant expansion to accommodate the rising demand.

Allegiant Air, a major carrier at PIE, is contributing to this growth with the introduction of a new non-stop route to Savannah, Georgia, starting in November. This addition will bring the total number of Allegiant’s non-stop destinations from PIE to 62, further enhancing the airport’s connectivity.

In response to the rapid growth over the past decade, PIE has initiated the design phase for a major terminal expansion project. This expansion is driven by the increasing number of passengers, which exceeded 2.4 million in 2023 alone. The planned $110 million project will significantly enhance the airport’s facilities, including additional hold room space, more concession vendors, expanded restroom facilities, and an upgraded baggage area. A key feature of the expansion is the consolidation of the airport’s two security checkpoints into one, improving efficiency for travelers. Additionally, seven new passenger loading bridges will be added, bringing the total to nine, and the airport will have 12 departure/arrival gates along with three new overnight parking positions for aircraft.

The design contract for this ambitious project was awarded to C&S Companies in May 2024. PIE is currently in negotiations with a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) to manage pre-construction services, with final approval from the Board of County Commissioners expected in November 2024.

St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport has long been a vital gateway to the Tampa Bay area, serving as a more convenient alternative to the larger Tampa International Airport. PIE’s strategic location, coupled with its focus on low-cost carriers like Allegiant Air, has made it a popular choice for travelers seeking easy access to the Gulf Coast’s beautiful beaches and vibrant communities. The upcoming expansion is set to further solidify PIE’s role as a key regional airport, ensuring it can continue to meet the needs of the growing number of passengers choosing to fly through St. Pete-Clearwater.

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