Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is constructing enclosed post-security walkways between Terminals 1 and 2 and Terminals 2 and 3. Credit: Broward County Aviation Department.
FLL will invest around $260m in the Terminal Connectors project. Credit: Broward County Aviation Department.
FLL's Terminal Connectors project is scheduled to be completed in late 2027. Credit: YES Market Media/Shutterstock.com.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is located in Florida, US. It is owned and operated by the Broward County Aviation Department (BCAD), a division of the Broward County government.

The airport is to be upgraded with two new terminal connectors, which will connect all terminals beyond security, allowing seamless movement for passengers within the secured areas without needing to exit and re-enter through a security checkpoint.

The project is expected to be completed by late 2027 and will require an estimated investment of $260m. It will improve connectivity, enhance facilities and focus on passenger convenience.

The project will enable FLL to meet the evolving needs of passengers and airlines, ensuring the airport remains a key hub in the region’s transportation infrastructure.

Location

FLL is located in the heart of Florida’s Gold Coast and is strategically positioned within Greater Fort Lauderdale. The airport’s catchment area encompasses more than six million individuals, many of whom are affluent and lead the state in travel spending.

FLL terminal connectors project details

The terminal connectors project at FLL involves the construction of enclosed post-security walkways linking Terminals 1 and 2, as well as Terminals 2 and 3.

The project encompasses modifications to the existing terminal to enhance security checkpoints, upgrade baggage halls, expand gate-area hold rooms and to introduce additional retail concessions.

The project will not only improve passenger flow and connectivity but also increase access to airport concessions and improve wayfinding. Moreover, the connectors will offer greater flexibility in gate utilisation to accommodate future growth.

Financing details

The project draws on financial support from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), FLL’s signatory airlines and the Florida Department of Transportation.

In February 2024, the project received a $50m grant as part of $1bn funding under President Biden’s FY2024 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) – Airport Terminal Program (ATP).

The $1bn grant was allocated to 114 airports nationwide, covering 44 states and three territories. Among these, ten airports in Florida received more than $112m.

FLL terminals details

FLL comprises four terminals, each with its unique designation and facilities. Terminal 1, or the yellow terminal, features Concourses A, B and C, along with 23 gates.

Terminal 2, known as the Delta Terminal or red terminal, is distinguished by its red colour and houses Concourse D with nine boarding gates. It currently serves Air Canada and Delta and features a Delta Sky Club lounge.

Terminal 3, the purple terminal, features Concourses E and F and houses 20 gates in total, while Terminal 4, the green terminal, has Concourse G with 14 gates. The terminals offer international and domestic flights, dining options, retail stores and lounge services.

The ground-breaking for a new $404m terminal 5 occurred in October 2023. The facility is expected to be completed by 2026.

Future developments at FLL

BCAD has plans to construct the Intermodal Center (IMC) at FLL, a 4.6 million square foot eight-storey facility with 6,685 parking spaces, set for completion by 2029.

FLL is also planning the construction of an automated people mover over the next decade, with an estimated investment of $855m. It will be completed by 2030.

Roadway enhancements will be carried out at the airport to prepare it for the future.

Contractors involved

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners awarded a $229m contract to Tutor Perini, a construction company based in the US, for the terminal connectors project in May 2024.

Gresham Smith, an architecture, engineering and design firm based in the US, is tasked with delivering design services for the FLL terminal modernisation programme, including the master concept for connectors between all terminals.