Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Florida, like other airports in Florida, closed on Tuesday, September 27, in preparation for Hurricane Ian’s landfall.
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The next day, Ian made landfall near Cayo Costa, an island just off the coast of Fort Myers, according to the National Hurricane Center. Current estimates calculate that the Category 4 hurricane, which had maximum sustained winds of 150 miles per hour, has caused $66 billion of damage.
Last Saturday, the airport announced the runway and terminal building are in very good condition. And while the airport was supporting humanitarian flights and military rescue missions, airport officials explained they were still waiting for more information about staffing from the companies and agencies “that make Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) work safely and securely.”
Now airport officials have announced in a statement that Southwest Florida International Airport will reopen Wednesday, October 5, for limited commercial flight operations.
“There will be some changes we would like everyone to be aware of before coming to the airport,” airport officials explain. “We sincerely appreciate your understanding and patience during this difficult time. Our #1 priority is your safety and we needed to make sure everything at RSW was ready to serve our travelers and the community.”
Here’s What You Need To Know About RSW Reopening
While it isn’t as large as airports in Miami or Orlando, Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers did provide service for more than 10.3 million air travelers in 2021 and is one of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger traffic, according to the airport authority. Those travelers primarily fly Delta, Southwest, American, JetBlue, and United airlines.
Beginning October 5, security checkpoints at Southwest Florida International Airport will operate from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Flights will operate between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
“Some of the many amenities you have come to expect at RSW may not be available when we first open,” the airport authority explains. “Concessions will have limited food and beverage and other items may be in short supply.”
What’s more, although restrooms will be open, drinking water will not be available in the terminal until the county’s boil water notice has been lifted.
Both the long- and short-term parking lots will be open. And while shuttle buses will be running, they may be slow.
If you will be visiting Southwest Florida International Airport, the airport authority recommends checking to see which gate your flight will use when you arrive at the airport. That’s because some airlines may use different concourses than normal.
Finally, the airport authority reminds travelers that if they have specific questions about their flight, it’s always best to check with the airline directly since they have the most up-to-date information.
Know Before You Arrive
Obviously, the current situation may change depending on circumstances. If you’re planning to travel to Southwest Florida International Airport, be sure to check here for updates before traveling to the airport.
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