The Mobile Airport Authority has announced that the transition from the regional airport in west Mobile to the international airport in downtown Mobile will take longer than initially planned. The opening date for the new terminal, currently under construction, has been pushed back to Fall 2026. This delay is due to a focus on staying within the budget, rather than rushing to meet a specific deadline. MAA Executive Director Andy Wilson believes that the end result will be well worth the wait, with an increase in the number of people flying out of Mobile.

Wilson explains that the current airport is considered a regional station, with primarily regional jets serving the area. With the new terminal, the goal is to graduate to mainline service, which would allow for larger aircraft such as 737s and A320s to operate out of Mobile. Wilson is optimistic about the potential for growth and the impact it will have on how airlines view the city.

Initially, the target opening date for the new terminal was set for November 2025, as stated by former executive director Chris Curry. In January, Wilson announced a new projection of March 2026. However, in recent months it became apparent that the budget of $381 million was not enough, and the project was trending towards a higher cost of over $400 million. To address this issue, the MAA is re-bidding contracts for interior work at the terminal, such as flooring and drywall. This process is expected to save millions of dollars and is set to take place in the fourth quarter of this year. Additionally, changes have been made to certain areas, including the baggage system, to further reduce costs.

Wilson emphasizes that the budget is now the top priority, rather than the delivery date. This shift in focus has allowed for more flexibility in the construction process. He is confident that once the new terminal opens, existing airlines will expand their services and new airlines, such as Spirit and JetBlue, may also choose to operate out of Mobile. Wilson mentions that there has been interest from JetBlue in a potential route to New York, and he sees potential for American Airlines to add flights to Miami.

While many are eager to see Southwest Airlines in Mobile, Wilson explains that it may be more challenging due to their strict requirement of only operating Boeing 737 jets with 189 seats. This makes it difficult for them to adjust to market demand, unlike other airlines that have a range of aircraft sizes. As a result, it may be more feasible for Southwest to enter the market once the demand has grown.

In terms of financing, Wilson reveals that between $93 and $97 million will need to be borrowed to cover the cost of the new airport. However, he remains confident that the long-term benefits of the new terminal will outweigh the initial cost. With the new terminal, Mobile can look forward to increased flight options and a more competitive position in the aviation industry.