SRQ reports record route growth, Concourse A ribbon cutting and $2 million observation area with county partnership

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport told the Manatee County Tourist Development Council on Feb. 24 that it has expanded service sharply since 2018, reopened quickly after storm damage and is planning a visible new $2 million observation area built in partnership with Manatee County.

Mark Stuckey, executive vice president and chief of staff for Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), said the airport has added route capacity and carriers in recent years: “Since 2018, we’ve added six new airlines and 56 new nonstop destinations…as of February of 2025, we have 11 airlines and 68 nonstop destinations,” he said.

Nut graf: The airport’s recovery from last year’s storms included a terminal‑concourse roof failure that temporarily reduced seats; SRQ opened a new five‑gate Concourse A in mid‑January and expects record passenger months in spring as carriers restore and add service.

More detail: Stuckey told the council storm damage forced the terminal to close for more than a week last year, costing about 100,000 seats and 600 flights in a single week. Calendar‑year passenger traffic fell 1.77% in 2024 but staff forecast roughly 4.5 million passengers in 2025 as carriers add capacity. SRQ opened Concourse A with a Jan. 14 ribbon cutting and Jan. 15 service start; the airport expects to expand the concourse to a sixth gate.

Airline and marketing highlights: Allegiant has increased its based aircraft at SRQ and is a leading carrier for the airport; the airline also agreed to a locally‑branded aircraft wrap promoting Bradenton, Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key. Stuckey and Tourism Director Elliot Falcone described the wrap as a cooperative marketing win that brings visibility when the plane flies other markets.

Observation area and partnerships: Stuckey described a $2 million observation area on 15th Street East near Manatee County entrance infrastructure, funded 50/50 with Manatee County and including a playground, history displays and public audio of the control tower. He said Allegiant purchased naming rights for an airport‑themed playground portion for about $475,000 to cover a planned $175,000 playground feature.

Constraints and next steps: SRQ officials acknowledged ongoing parking constraints and the potential need for a future parking garage and other infrastructure projects. Council and airport leaders discussed runway length and long‑term route prospects; Stuckey said some carriers already operate long‑range flights and that West Coast nonstop routes are under active discussion with airlines.

Ending: Council members praised the airport’s debt‑free posture, recent investments and the regional marketing partnership that followed the new terminal and route growth.