Punta Gorda Airport officials are ramping up efforts to bring another low-cost carrier to Charlotte County, as passenger traffic continues to break records. 

During the airport’s Aug. 21 budget workshop, CEO James Parish confirmed that PGD leaders are in talks with two potential low-cost carriers. 

The push comes at a moment of opportunity. Parish said rents have been rising at Southwest Florida International Airport in Lee County, prompting PGD officials to approach low-cost carriers already operating there. That outreach recently resulted in a conversation with a carrier’s CEO. 

The effort is part of a broader strategy to diversify PGD’s airline options beyond Allegiant Air, which dominates service, and Sun Country, which offers seasonal flights. Parish and Chief Marketing Officer Kaley Miller meet with airline executives twice a year to promote Punta Gorda as an affordable and expanding option. 

Parish said it is his goal every year to attract another carrier. Charlotte County Airport Authority Chair Robert Hancik echoed the sentiment, saying, “we’re always looking for another airline.” 

One of the biggest hurdles, Parish acknowledged, is space. The airport is undergoing a series of expansions aimed at creating room for additional gates, office space and amenities. 

This July broke previous records, with just under 180,000 passengers. Allegiant plans to add new routes to New Orleans and Atlantic City, New Jersey, this winter, which airport officials expect will further boost traffic. 

Authority commissioner Kathleen Coppola said a growing number of visitors are coming from New York. Miller said the airport is also looking to strengthen service to the state, with Long Island MacArthur Airport, located 45 miles east of New York City. That airport is currently served by Avelo Airlines, Breeze Airways, Cape Air, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Southwest Airlines. 

Punta Gorda’s growth has already driven major improvements. A terminal expansion, new baggage handling system and new car rental center have recently been completed or are underway. Food service is also slated for upgrades. 

Concessionaire Faber, Coe & Gregg received a contract extension through 2036 in a unanimous vote at the budget workshop. The company plans to invest $3 million to $5 million in a new restaurant, bar, gift shop, grab-and-go market and Dunkin’ kiosk inside Bailey Terminal. Those additions will replace current concessions, which will be demolished during the renovation.

The airport also has been offering incentives for a restaurateur to open a dining option inside its new Air Center. So far, no deal has been signed. Miller suggested that being “off the beaten path” may be discouraging operators, but Parish countered that with the growth of the airport’s industrial park and nearby residential developments, demand is coming. Four parties have expressed interest, with one actively consulting on the project. 

In all, Punta Gorda connects travelers to 52 nonstop destinations. 

Of roughly 400 commercial airports nationwide, PGD ranks 102nd in passenger traffic. Hancik called the ranking remarkable given the airport’s size. 

“A lot of communities would love to have the service that we have,” Parish said. 

Tags

× Post a comment as anonymous

× Report

× Watch this discussion. Stop watching this discussion.

(1) comment

PGI resident Aug 26, 2025 10:01am

Charlotte county does not need further air traffic. Ft. Myers is an International Airport and Sarasota flies to hundreds of locations. Both are within 45 minutes. Don't sell out our peace for a few $$$ county officials... Sunseeker failed just let it be.

Report Add Reply

Welcome to the discussion.

Log In

Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.

Post a comment

Watch this discussion. Stop watching this discussion.