Gulf Shores Airport Gets $2.1M for Expansion
By Isabella Gomez
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
MAY 12, 2026
GULF SHORES, Ala. The Gulf Shores International Airport recently received some additional funding to help expand services just as the airport is preparing for a busy summer season as it adds more destination options for travelers.
Expanded services being offered by Allegiant, will go to Omaha, Neb.; Huntsville, Ala.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; Louisville, Ky.; and Springfield, Mo.
According to an airport news release, these five new non-stop destinations are being added on top of plans to move closer to a groundbreaking for a $15 million terminal expansion.
The flights to Omaha and Huntsville will begin on May 21, with the Oklahoma City, Louisville and Springfield flights beginning on May 22.
The City of Gulf Shores has been awarded $2,140,570 through the Growing Alabama Tax Credit Program to advance major site development at Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF). Gulf Shores was one of only 10 communities selected statewide in this highly competitive funding cycle.
The funding will prepare 10 acres of airport property and construct two aircraft apron pads totaling 121,500 square feet, creating flexible, market‑ready sites capable of supporting multiple 40,000‑square‑foot hangars or a single 120,000‑square‑foot facility. The project is designed to attract one large or multiple mid‑sized aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operators. The Growing Alabama grant significantly reduces upfront development costs and removes timeline barriers that often deter aviation companies from entering new markets.
“This investment doesn’t just prepare a site — it opens the door to high‑skill MRO jobs and a more diversified economy for Gulf Shores,” said Blake Phelps, Director of Economic Development and Public Affairs. “By completing these improvements now, we’re removing barriers for aerospace companies and positioning our community for long‑term economic success.”
This Growing Alabama funding was made possible through the partnership of Baldwin EMC, which allocated its eligible tax credit capacity to support the project. Their support ensures the airport project can move forward quickly and competitively, accelerating site readiness for future aerospace investment.
“We’re proud to stand alongside Gulf Shores on this project because investing in the airport’s growth is an investment in the people and businesses we serve,” said Lee Johnson, Baldwin EMC Vice President of External Affairs and Economic Development. “Supporting this aviation expansion reflects our commitment to powering economic opportunity and strengthening our communities.”
As for the terminal expansion, it is scheduled to go out for bid on May 4. Construction would likely begin late summer 2026.
The project is expected to include adding more boarding gate areas, expanding curbside drop-off, making the baggage claim area bigger, and adding a new outdoor patio.
“We know this summer will be quite busy and at times congested with all of the new destinations and frequency of flights,” Airport Director Fosnaugh said. “We have implemented several new elements within the terminal to create a positive experience for our customers. We are being proactive and appreciate everyone’s patience as we work through challenges and improve our facility’s comfort and capabilities.”
The release said multiple operational measures and amenities will be put into place ahead of the summer season, including adjustments to the terminal drop-off and pickup zones, more vehicle parking areas and extra amenities in the outdoor prescreening space.
All of the inaugural flights for the five added locations will feature water cannon salutes from the Gulf Shores Fire Department, as well as welcome activities from the Alabama’s Beaches & Coastal Alabama Business Chamber.
Once complete, the new apron areas will help transition Gulf Shores International Airport from a conceptual development site into a competitive aviation hub positioned to support high‑skill, high‑wage MRO operations. This project is expected to support 50 to 200 quality jobs and attract substantial private capital investment.
“This project positions Gulf Shores International Airport to attract highly skilled MRO providers capable of servicing mid-sized commercial and cooperate jets that require more advanced facilities than traditional maintenance operations,” said Jesse Fosnaugh, Airport Director. “This investment gives us the advanced infrastructure needed to compete for top‑tier aviation jobs and long‑term economic growth.”
The Gulf Shores Airport Authority will cover all soft costs and project management fees, ensuring no financial burden to the City. This project marks a major milestone in Gulf Shores’ long‑term strategy to grow and diversify the local economy through targeted aviation and aerospace development.
The Growing Alabama program uses private contributions – offset with state tax credits – to prepare publicly owned industrial sites for future economic development, helping communities accelerate site readiness and reduce barriers for new and expanding industries.
The City of Gulf Shores extends its appreciation to Governor Kay Ivey, the Alabama Department of Commerce, the Renewal of Alabama Commission, and Baldwin EMC for their continued support and investment in Gulf Shores International Airport.
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