Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport has experienced substantial growth since 2020, making it one of the fastest-growing airports in the world. The success of the airport can be attributed to several factors.

One major factor is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As people sought refuge from government restrictions, many turned to Florida as a desirable destination. This influx of travelers helped to raise awareness of the Sarasota area as a desirable place to visit.

Another key factor is the airport’s convenient location. As major highways became congested due to the population surge caused by the pandemic, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport became a more appealing alternative to larger airports in Tampa and Fort Myers.

However, the airport could not have achieved such rapid growth without the support of profitable airlines. In six years, the number of passengers served by the airport has more than doubled, reaching a record high of 4. 5 million in 2025. This growth can be attributed to the low cost-per-passenger that airlines pay to operate flights at SRQ.

According to a report presented to the Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority Board of Directors in February, airlines at SRQ will pay an average cost per enplaned passenger (CPE) of $8. 76 in fiscal year 2026. In comparison, the CPE at Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers is $14. 03, and at Tampa International Airport, it is $13. 64. This low CPE, coupled with financial incentives for new routes, has been a key factor in the airport’s growth.

Allegiant, one of the 11 airlines that offer service to 69 destinations at SRQ, has been a critical contributor to the airport’s success. Since launching service in 2018, Allegiant has seen a significant increase in popularity and has expanded its routes to 36, connecting smaller markets to SRQ. The addition of the new concourse at the airport has allowed Allegiant to enhance the travel experience for its passengers.

The CPE measures the average cost per boarding traveler for airlines, and the U. S. average ranges from $7. 55 at non-hub airports to $14. 45 at large-hub airports, with an overall average of $9. 84. This cost includes landing fees, terminal rental fees, and non-preferential gate use costs. It is an essential metric for both airport financial efficiency and airline operating costs.

The average CPE for airports in the U. S. is $9. 84, with more infrastructure-intensive airports, such as JFK in New York City, having a CPE of $36. 01. In contrast, SRQ has a much lower CPE, making it a bargain for airlines. This is due in part to the airport’s debt-free status, which has allowed it to take a pay-as-you-go approach to all capital projects.

Under the leadership of former President and CEO Rick Piccolo, SRQ has completed over $150 million