Key West International Airport officials on June 5 marked a major milestone in the ongoing Concourse A project by hosting a “topping-off” ceremony with project managers, consultants and Monroe County commissioners.
The new Concourse A is due to open by 2025. The completion date for the overall project is set for spring 2026.
“This is an economic generator keeping our economy going,” said Monroe County Mayor Holly Raschein. “It is a big deal for the city of Key West, Monroe County and for all of those here today. This is a masterpiece and it is all coming together.”
The June 5 event was held to mark the completion of the steel work and roof. The next milestone will be the installation of the terminal’s glass curtainwall, set for completion by September.
The 48,802-square-foot concrete structure includes eight glass jet bridges, new concessions, expanded TSA lines, state-of-the-art baggage carousels and airline offices.
Also, the new concourse will remain above storm surge and flood elevation and is designed to withstand 200-mph winds.
“Years of planning have culminated in this moment, and this milestone wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of countless individuals,” said Richard Strickland, the county’s executive director of airports. “We are building on a legacy.”
Strickland thanked design teams from McFarland Johnson and Mead & Hunt along with local contractors, construction workers and consultants.
Robert Spottswood Sr., executive chairman of Spottswood Companies Inc., spoke of the work performed by NV2A Gulf KeyStar, a joint venture, and touted the 280 jobs created by the project.
“There were many challenges, but congratulations to everyone involved in this project,” he said. “I’d like to thank the airport’s design and consulting teams as well.”
EYW moves more people than ever
April was another record-breaking month for Key West International Airport, with a 10.9% bump in passengers, to date, compared to 2023, airport officials announced in mid-May.
So far, 591,696 passengers have passed through EYW this year – the airport’s most successful first quarter on record. In April alone, 137,004 passengers used the airport.
“We are always excited to see passengers flying into our airport to enjoy not just Key West, but the entire Florida Keys,” Strickland said in a statement.EYW has direct service to 21 destinations among six airlines. A complete list is available at eyw.com/airlines.
