Construction is under way on a $15 million expansion of the terminal at Gulf Shores International Airport, a project designed to accommodate rapidly increasing passenger traffic while maintaining the airport's small-community atmosphere.
Airport officials, city leaders and project partners recently celebrated the groundbreaking for the expansion, which is expected to be completed before the start of the busy summer 2027 travel season. According to the city of Gulf Shores, TripTek Construction LLC was awarded the construction contract and is targeting a May 2027 opening for the expanded concourse.
The expansion comes after Gulf Shores International experienced record passenger volumes following the launch of scheduled commercial airline service in 2025.
City of Gulf Shores photo
According to the city of Gulf Shores, the airport handled more than 34,000 passengers in June 2026, its busiest month since commercial flights began. Airport officials also reported an average 78 percent load factor across 13 nonstop destinations during the month, demonstrating continued demand for leisure travel to Alabama's Gulf Coast.
"We have been in lockstep with Allegiant throughout this process," Jesse Fosnaugh, airport director said, according to the city of Gulf Shores. "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."
The project represents another milestone in the airport's rapid evolution from a general aviation facility into one of the Southeast's newest commercial airports.
Expansion Adds Passenger Amenities
Populous Fentress Studios rendering
According to the city of Gulf Shores, the terminal expansion will include:
• additional gate and passenger waiting areas
• expanded baggage claim facilities
• more dining and retail space
• an outdoor passenger patio
• a dedicated mothers' nursing room
• expanded curb frontage and supporting infrastructure to improve passenger circulation
• capacity for two simultaneous aircraft operations
Construction also will affect the terminal area and adjacent parking facilities during the buildout.
"We understand that growth doesn't happen without some operational challenges, especially while you are required to run your airport at the same time as construction and renovation is occurring," Fosnaugh said, according to the city of Gulf Shores. "We appreciate the public's patience as we go through this growth and construction with the end goal of serving them better."
Federal Funding Supports Project
City of Gulf Shores photo
The expansion received assistance through the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Terminal Program.
According to the city of Gulf Shores, the airport secured a $2 million FAA Airport Terminal Program grant made available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to help fund the project.
The airport has steadily invested in infrastructure as passenger demand has exceeded initial expectations. Earlier in 2026, Gulf Shores also received more than $2.1 million through Alabama's Growing Alabama Tax Credit Program to prepare airport property for future aviation-related industrial development, including aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities. According to the city of Gulf Shores, that project will prepare 10 acres for future aerospace investment and job creation.
Commercial Service Drives Growth
Commercial air service has transformed travel to Alabama's beaches.
According to the city of Gulf Shores, Allegiant currently serves 13 nonstop destinations from Gulf Shores International, and passenger surveys indicate nearly half of travelers using the airport had never previously visited Alabama's Gulf Coast. Approximately 80 percent of surveyed passengers said they expect to return more frequently because nonstop service is available.
The airport's continued success has reinforced local officials' decision to invest in expanded terminal capacity before passenger demand begins to strain existing facilities.
Airport officials have emphasized that while the airport is growing, maintaining fast processing times and a convenient passenger experience remains a priority.
The terminal expansion is expected to position Gulf Shores International for continued airline growth while supporting the region's tourism economy and accommodating increasing numbers of visitors traveling to Alabama's Gulf Coast. According to the city of Gulf Shores, the expanded terminal is scheduled to open before the May 2027 summer travel season.
