What’s next for NWF Beaches Airport? Multiple big projects underway
PANAMA CITY BEACH − Growth at the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport shows no signs of slowing down, with multiple major projects in the works.
Read more ‘New era’ begins for Tuscaloosa business hub
In addition to a nearly $100 million terminal expansion project that just this week began vertical construction, airport officials say two major maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) projects also are moving forward. They will be built by IAG Aero Group and Premier Aviation USA Overhaul Services, companies recruited to the area by the Bay Economic Development Alliance.
MROs inspect, repair and maintain aircraft, helping keep them safe and operational.
“The MRO business is a key and essential component of our industry,” Parker McClellan, executive director of the airport, wrote in a text. “The MRO businesses coming to ECP diversify our economy, bring good paying jobs to the region and strengthen the economy of the region.”
According to previous reports, IAG Aero Group holds the record as the Bay EDA’s largest landed project.
IAG plans to build a 120,000-square-foot engine MRO facility at the airport. The company also has opened a 140,000-square-foot logistics and distribution center in Lynn Haven. Premier Aviation, meanwhile, plans to develop a two-bay, narrow-body hangar.
McClellan said he expects for both projects to begin construction in the beginning of 2027.
Read more Gas prices soar by double digits in Florida to more than $4. Check your area
The developments come as Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport continues to experience record-breaking passenger growth.
They also trail the ongoing terminal expansion project, which will add three gates, six baggage offices and four more baggage claim carousels. Additionally, it will expand the TSA checkpoint and add more passenger seating, escalators, elevators, restrooms and concessions.
A July activity report, which was the most recent data released by the airport as of Sept. 10, shows the airport served 1,263,735 passengers during the first seven months of 2026. This is about 5.5%, or 66,490 passengers, more than it serviced during the same time period in 2025.
Last year holds the record as the busiest year for ECP. It serviced 1,937,244 passengers, an increase of more than 3%, or 58,296 passengers, over 2024, which previously held the record.
This article originally appeared on The News Herald: What’s next for NWF Beaches Airport? Multiple big projects underway
Read more Gas prices soar by double digits in Florida to more than $4. Check your area
Reporting by Nathan Cobb, Panama City News Herald / The News Herald
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
Copyright Reuters or USA Today Network via Reuters Connect
This story was originally published September 14, 2026 at 5:05 AM.
Post Comment