Pensacola Airport Receives $6 Million Infrastructure Grant

Pensacola International Airport has been awarded $6 million through the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) Program, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). 

The award provides the critical funding needed to launch the first construction phase of the airport's Terminal Expansion & Modernization Program, marking a major milestone in one of the largest infrastructure investments in the airport's history.

The grant will fund the airport's apron expansion project, a foundational phase of the Terminal Expansion & Modernization Program that will prepare the airfield to accommodate the new, five-gate concourse. The project will create the operational capacity necessary to support construction of the airport's expanded security checkpoint, new passenger concourse, and additional aircraft gates while maintaining safe and efficient airside operations.

This award builds on another significant federal investment announced earlier this year. In May, the Airport received a $9 million Airport Terminal Program (ATP) grant through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to fund expansion of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security checkpoint and other terminal improvements. 

Together, the two federal grants provide more than $15 million in funding to advance components of the Terminal Expansion & Modernization Program. While the $9 million Airport Terminal Program grant funds improvements within the terminal, the $6 million Airport Infrastructure Grant provides the critical airfield infrastructure necessary to support that expansion.

"This grant is the catalyst that moves our Terminal Expansion & Modernization Program into construction," said Matt Coughlin, the Airport's Executive Director. "While passengers will ultimately experience a larger security checkpoint, additional gates, and a transformed terminal, those improvements begin with the infrastructure that makes them possible. The apron expansion is the critical first construction phase that lays the foundation for everything that follows, and we're incredibly grateful to the FAA for investing in our future."

The Airport Infrastructure Grant Program was established through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to provide dedicated federal funding for airport infrastructure projects that improve safety, capacity, sustainability, and resilience while enhancing the passenger experience.

Coughlin noted appreciation to U.S. Senators Ashley Moody and Rick Scott and U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis for their continued support of the Airport and their advocacy for federal investments that strengthen aviation infrastructure across Northwest Florida. 

Patronis, who is a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said the grant is evidence of the value of federal investment in the community.

"I'm proud to see this administration deliver more than $6 million to Pensacola International Airport to expand and modernize our terminal, improve safety, and support the growth of our community,” Patronis said. “Under President Trump and Secretary Sean Duffy, Northwest Florida is winning. I will continue fighting to bring our taxpayer dollars home, strengthen our infrastructure, and ensure Northwest Florida gets the investments it deserves."

Construction on the apron expansion project is anticipated to begin in the next 90 days. 

For more information about Pensacola International Airport, please visit FlyPensacola.com.