July 22, 2026

Gulf Shores International Airport Breaks Ground For Terminal Expansion

By: Isabella Gomez
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News

July 22, 2026

GULF SHORES, Ala. The new $15 million terminal expansion of the Gulf Shores International Airport has officially broken ground and is underway.

This exciting addition will allow the airport to grow and to provide more services, flights and to continue the momentum of the airport.

GSIA has launched a fast‑moving construction effort aimed at meeting the airport’s extraordinary passenger growth.
TripTek Construction LLC was recently awarded the construction contract with the mission of opening the terminal concourse before next summer’s flight schedule in May of 2027.

The airport’s momentum in June set a new all‑time record, with over 34,000 passengers traveling through Gulf Shores International, which is the highest performing month since airline service began in May 2025.

It is equally impressive that during the same month, across thirteen destinations, the air service operated at 78% load factor on average – load factor being an aviation term measuring how many passengers aboard the flight versus the capacity of the aircraft.

Earlier this spring, the airport was awarded a $2 million FAA Airport Terminal Program grant, funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The FAA program prioritizes airport projects which elevate the traveler’s experience and Gulf Shores International is leaning into that mission.

The airport has already shown that is has increased the number of visitors and business travelers to the area.

The improved terminal will feature a relaxed outdoor patio, a dedicated mothers’ nursing area, and expanded food, beverage, and retail offerings for passengers.

Airport Director Jesse Fosnaugh underscored the project’s purpose and the airport’s partnership with Allegiant and keeping the small-town community feel:

“We have been in lockstep with Allegiant throughout this process. Measured growth allows for greater route scheduling opportunities, increased space for our passengers, and more supporting infrastructure. Even though we are growing, we will keep the airport experience quick, easy, inexpensive, and cheerful.
The ‘small-community’ feel of the airport is still paramount to our mission.”

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