Key West Soft Opens $100M Terminal with First Jet Bridges in Florida Keys

The tropical walk across Key West International Airport’s (EYW) sunbaked tarmac—a sweaty ritual once beloved by many—is officially a thing of the past.

As exclusively reported by Chris Sloan for local newspaper Keys Weekly, at precisely 7 a.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025, Delta Flight 1072 to Atlanta pushed back from the first-ever glass jet bridge in the Florida Keys, marking a historic moment for the Southernmost City’s airport.

Photo: Courtesy of Key West International Airport / Facebook

“We are celebrating not just the first flight, but the ongoing success of the overall program,” said Richard Strickland, Executive Director of Airports for Monroe County. “We look forward to the future and welcome passengers to our elevated facility.”

With that departure, the airport’s gleaming new 50,000-square-foot Concourse A—the largest public infrastructure project in Monroe County history—was officially, or softly, open for business.

A Milestone Worth the Wait

The unveiling of Concourse A came nearly six months later than initially projected, but remained within typical timelines for a project of this complexity. And despite a few day-one hiccups, both passengers and staff were impressed by the concourse’s soaring architecture, thoughtful amenities, and smooth opening-day operations.

Photo: Courtesy of Key West International Airport / Facebook

The new concourse introduces eight all-glass jet bridges—an unprecedented addition in the Florida Keys. It also features expanded baggage claim systems, with a two-carousel setup scheduled for completion in the next phase, as well as new airline ramp areas and office spaces.

Security has received a significant upgrade, too: a newly expanded TSA checkpoint will support up to four screening lanes. Meanwhile, a post-security pedestrian bridge connects the existing terminal building to the new concourse, improving passenger flow and overall efficiency.

Built for the Future—and for Hurricanes

The new Key West ai terminal isn’t just modern—it’s resilient. As reported by Sloan, the new building is designed to hurricane standards, featuring a striking glass curtain wall made up of 446 electrochromic panels that shift between transparent and opaque while withstanding winds of up to 200 miles per hour.

Photo: Courtesy of Key West International Airport / Facebook

Inside, the space feels open and serene, with high ceilings, natural light, modern restrooms, USB-equipped seating, and clean aesthetics. It’s a far cry from the cramped, chaotic departure space that once greeted travelers.

A Terminal For Key West’s Growth

While Key West may still exude laid-back island charm, its main air gateway is growing fast to meet soaring demand. Passenger traffic through EYW has jumped 80 percent since 2019, with a record 1.45 million travelers served in 2024 alone.

Since construction began in late 2022, the airport has welcomed three new airlines, seven new routes, and a sharp increase in seat capacity. Today, it offers nonstop service to 24 U.S. destinations through seven airlines—an impressive footprint for an airport of its size.

Photo: Courtesy of Key West International Airport / Facebook

American Airlines—a longtime operator in Key West—connects the island to major hubs, including Miami, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago O’Hare, New York LaGuardia, and Washington, D.C.

Delta provides daily service to Atlanta and New York-LaGuardia, while United links Key West with Chicago-O’Hare, Houston, Newark, and Washington-Dulles.

JetBlue connects the Northeast with nonstop flights to Boston and New York-JFK, while Silver Airways maintains vital regional service to Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Fort Myers, and Tampa.

For value-conscious travelers, Allegiant Air flies to seasonal favorites like Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Asheville, Cincinnati, Sanford, and Tampa.

Photo: Courtesy of Pratt & Whitney

And coming this summer, Breeze Airways will debut nonstop service to Orlando and Tampa starting June 12.

Though 96 percent of EYW’s passenger traffic is inbound tourism, the growing list of direct connections is a win for local residents, too—many of whom previously relied on connections through larger Florida airports. With passenger volumes now topping 1.45 million annually, Key West has matured from a quaint outpost to a full-fledged gateway to the Keys.

More Upgrades Coming

While Monday’s opening marked a major milestone, Key West International remains an active construction zone. A grand opening is scheduled for May 21, and several additional improvements are on the horizon.

As Sloan reports in Keys Weekly, beyond the established Farm2Air Market and a seasonal Conch Flyer bar, several new food and beverage options will debut soon. These include a Chili’s restaurant, offering a full-service dining experience with family favorites like burgers and fajitas.

Photo: Courtesy of Key West International Airport / Facebook

A new Southern Point bar will bring island vibes to the departure lounge, with craft cocktails, local brews, and a laid-back ambiance. Meanwhile, a fully revamped Conch Flyer will return as a modern tribute to a Key West institution dating back to the 1970s, serving fresh seafood and island fare.

In the arrivals area, the new First Call Beach Bar will provide travelers with refreshing tropical drinks and light bites—a welcoming spot for both arrivals and those waiting on incoming flights.

By summer 2026, Phase 2 of the project will bring further enhancements, including a new pedestrian bridge, a modernized baggage claim area with dual carousels, improved rental car counters, and an expanded four-lane TSA checkpoint designed to streamline the screening process and reduce wait times.

Flying Into the Future

Key West International Airport continues to play a vital role in the region’s tourism economy. According to a recent study by the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, 24 percent of all visitors fly directly into EYW, while another 21 percent arrive via Miami and continue by car along the scenic Overseas Highway.

Photo: Key West, Florida. Courtesy of Jametlene Reskp / Unsplash

An additional 42 percent drive directly into Key West by personal or rental vehicle. By making air travel more accessible and convenient, officials hope to reduce strain on the often-congested highway and promote more sustainable visitor traffic.

With jet bridges now in place, a sleek new concourse in operation, and further upgrades on the horizon, Key West is stepping confidently into the future of air travel—swapping heat and hassle for shade, comfort, and efficiency, all without losing its unmistakable sense of place.

Note: A special report by Chris Sloan, featuring photos of the grand opening of the new terminal, will be published in May.