Future Airport Development
Automated People Mover
(Note: The image above is for illustration purposes only and may not represent the final project design)
An Automated People Mover (APM) could become a reality at FLL over the next decade as part of the Aviation Department’s
Master Plan Update and future vision for the airport. While currently in the advance-planning phase, BCAD is estimating the initial phase of the APM construction could begin within three to five years with full project completion (pending regulatory and funding approvals) by the 2028-30 timeframe.
As currently proposed, the APM circulator at FLL would consist of an elevated (60-65 feet above ground level) guideway and train system connecting the airport’s terminals, existing parking garages, Rental Car Center, and the future Intermodal Center in a closed loop with up to seven stations. The first phase of the APM would be built between the terminals and parking garages in a u-shaped loop. Meanwhile, the second phase of installation would create a sixth station immediately east of Terminal 3 to complete the bi-directional loop system. The current estimated project cost is about $600 million. BCAD anticipates the funding for the airport’s APM and Intermodal Center will come from a combination of federal and state grants, possible local funding sources, and bonds supported by airport revenues, including passenger facility charges and airline fees.
A recently approved Florida Department of Transportation grant of $12.95 million will be used to create a program criteria package, (essentially guidance on what the airport is looking for in an APM system) and other professional services needed to procure the design and development phases of the APM project, and secure environmental compliance approvals. Additionally, the grant will fund the construction of a pedestrian bridge that will interface with the APM station and the airport’s future Terminal 5 (T5). BCAD expects to break ground on T5, the airport’s new five-gate passenger terminal facility connecting to Terminal 4, sometime in 2022, for completion in late 2025.
Separately, another Broward County agency, most likely Transit could potentially build additional people mover phases from Port Everglades and the Broward County Convention Center into the IMC to create a seamless link for travelers to connect to the airport’s APM.
Watch the Master Plan video for more about the latest updates and future potential FLL projects.
Updated: March 2022
Terminal Modernization Projects
The Broward County Aviation Department (BCAD) is always striving to improve operations and the guest experience at FLL.
Terminal 2
New Delta Sky Club, gate area seating, and modern restrooms are now open
Enhancements to Terminal 2 in 2021 included:
- Modernized passenger restrooms
- Dome-shaped terminal roof and central passenger wait area
New 8,000-plus square-foot Delta Sky Club on the mezzanine level
A new terminal security checkpoint (coming soon)
New and redesigned shopping venues
New food & beverage options: Japanese eatery Umaizushi and a new contemporary-designed Starbucks Coffee coming by early 2022
Additionally, new enclosed connectors linking Terminals 1, 2, and 3, will enable travelers to move freely among all three without needing to exit and re-enter security checkpoints. The new terminal connectors are expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
Updated: March 2022
Making Strides to a Better Terminal 4
New International Efficiencies
In recent years, Terminal 4 has added several new terminal features and passenger amenities as part of an ongoing modernization and expansion project.
Construction is ongoing on the final phase of the new U.S. Customs Federal Inspection Services (FIS) Facility Project, which is slated for substantial completion by late 2021. By then, FLL will be able to operate all 12 international gates in Concourse G.
A new Checked Baggage Inspection System became operational in 2020.
In 2019, two more gates opened for a total of 12 international and two domestic gates overall. Another milestone in recent years was the opening of the new Concourse G with its modern guest amenities and enhanced shopping and dining venues.
More improvements in the pipeline include new U.S. Customs and Border Protection functionality, advanced baggage handling system equipment, a new “meet-and-greet” area, and additional passenger queuing space.
Last Updated: September 2021
Terminal 3 Restroom Makeover
New centrally-located, double-sided design
The restrooms in Terminal 3, Concourses E and F, recently received a makeover as part of BCAD’s ongoing efforts to enhance the airport’s guest experience.
Restrooms in Concourse E and along the E-F Connector walkway were remodeled in 2021 with modern, eco-friendly fixtures that include low-flow toilets and water-conserving, automatic shut-off faucets. The upgrade restrooms opened to the public in August and September last year.
Similarly remodeled restrooms in Concourse F opened in July 2020.
Updated: September 2021
Guest Experience Improvements Coming to FLL
Terminal 3: New Hangout for Sports Fans
Sports fans delight! The first airport outpost for Bokamper's Sports Bar & Grill touched down in Terminal 3, Concourse F on November 23, 2020, through a partnership with concessionaire Delaware North. The South Florida-born restaurant concept was founded in 2008 by former Miami Dolphins player, and sportscaster turned restaurateur Kim Bokamper. Bokamper's South Florida presence includes locations in Fort Lauderdale, Miramar, and Plantation. The restaurant's mission is to be "the best game in town by providing exceptional service, great food, and an unparalleled atmosphere for friends, families, and sports fans of all ages."
Updated: December 2020
Roadway Enhancements Preparing FLL for the Future
Broward County’s Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is enhancing its upper-level roadway structure to ensure future years of service. The Departures level roadway serving Terminals 2, 3, and 4 is approximately 35 years old.
FLL recently implemented a program to focus on extending the life of the bridge structure. This program includes expansion joint rehabilitation of the structure and other maintenance repairs. To alert motorists operating heavy vehicles, FLL is posting weight restriction signage on the upper roadway following a full condition evaluation by our inspectors and engineers and in compliance with Florida Statutes requirements. The weight restriction for this bridge will now be 17 tons and will be advertised along all main roadways leading to this bridge.
This signage will complement the messaging already in place to advise motorists of our height restrictions on the Arrivals (lower) level of our roadway.
FLL has invested in a new fleet of buses that meets the new weight restrictions. By minimizing heavy loads on the structure, we will extend its useful life. The combination of reinforcing the upper-level roadway and eliminating or minimizing heavy loads will minimize future repair costs. It will also reduce traffic congestion associated with otherwise frequent maintenance operations. The ultimate objective of these enhancements is to ensure the viability of this roadway structure to enable it to meet the ever-increasing demands at FLL today and into the future.
Updated: June 2020
Terminal 1: Country & Western Honky-Tonk Opens
HMSHost partnered with NASCAR racing driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. to bring his signature North Carolina-born casual dining concept Whisky River Beer & Wings to FLL in early 2020. Whisky River's menu offers "crave-able dishes with regional flair," according to HMSHost. The new award-winning hangout, which opened on February 13 in Terminal 1, Concourse B, features country & western-style decor with whiskey barrel images, rustic barn wood, stone walls, cowhide seating, and even live music from local musicians on the Whisky River music stage.
Updated: February 2020
Terminal 1: Tacos and tequilas, anyone?
Rocco's Tacos and Tequila Bar, a South Florida favorite for Cinco de Mayo celebrations and other festivities, celebrated its grand opening on February 13, 2020, two months after officially opening its doors to travelers in Terminal 1, Concourse C on December 13, 2019. The new eatery comes to FLL travelers through a partnership with airport concessionaire HMSHost. Locally, Rocco's Tacos is known for a menu that offers "a true taste of Mexico" from the signature guacamole prepared tableside and handmade corn tortillas to specialty margaritas and other crowd-pleasing brews and bar bites.
Updated: February 2020
Terminal 2: New Restaurants Debut
Shaking 'N Blazing Eateries
Travelers flying through FLL now have a slate of new dining venues to explore including Shake Shack and Flash Fire Pizza in Terminal 2.
Shake Shack began serving travelers at FLL on December 14, 2019. The popular eatery has become a revered hangout for legions of fans in the U.S. and overseas since its humble start as a hot dog cart in New York in the early 2000s. Shake Shack, described as a modern "roadside" burger stand, operates more than 130 locations worldwide. The restaurant chain serves premium burgers, hot dogs, crinkle-cut fries, shakes, frozen custard, and more, which it touts as "fresh, simple, high-quality food at a great value." Global concessionaire HMSHost has partnered with Shake Shack to open and operate multiple airport locations across America.
For pizza lovers craving a slice of personal pie before they fly, South Florida-based Flash Fire Pizza whose tagline is "Farm to Fire in a Flash" made its airport debut through a partnership with HMSHost also on December 14, 2019. The pizza restaurant offers a menu of specialty pizzas and salads, sandwiches, and sides. The company says it strives to provide the best quick-fire pizza using the freshest ingredients and friendliest service.
Updated: February 2020
