Gulf Shores, Alabama — May 1, 2026 Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF/JKA) is preparing for another busy summer as passenger traffic continues to grow and the airport moves closer to breaking ground on a major terminal expansion. Later this month, the airport’s new nonstop destinations will begin service and increase airline activity to thirty total flights per week. Airport Director Jesse Fosnaugh said the airport has seen sustained increases in travelers since commercial service began last year, and this summer is expected to bring the highest activity yet. “We know this summer will be quite busy and at times congested with all of the new destinations and frequency of flights.” Fosnaugh said. “We have implemented several new elements within the terminal to create a positive experience for our customers. We are being proactive and appreciate everyone’s patience as we work through challenges and improve our facility’s comfort and capabilities.”
To support the increased demand, the airport has put into place several operational measures and amenities ahead of the summer travel season. These include adjustments to the terminal pickup and drop-off zones, additional vehicle parking areas, and new amenities in the outdoor prescreening space. Travelers will be welcomed with live music from local musician Just Roger and food truck service from Trauma Hogs. The airport will also host Ambassadors from the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber, who will assist passengers throughout the terminal. Greg Alexander, CEO of the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber said the Ambassadors are ready to support the ever-growing number of visitors coming through the terminal. “Our Ambassador volunteers are proud to offer a warm coastal welcome,” Alexander said. “Sometimes travelers just need a friendly face or a quick answer, and we’re glad to provide that support for the airport.”
As the airport manages near-term growth, long-term improvements are moving closer to reality. The $15 million terminal expansion is scheduled to go out for bid on May 4, with construction expected to begin later this summer. The project will connect to the existing terminal and include additional boarding gate areas, expanded curbside drop-off, an enlarged baggage claim area, and a new outdoor patio. Mayor Robert Craft noted that the expansion reflects the community’s response to the success of air service. “We’ve seen remarkable demand since the start of airline service in May of last year and this project is about keeping pace with that growth in a responsible way,” Craft said.
With another strong summer ahead and major infrastructure improvements drawing near, Gulf Shores International Airport continues to position itself as a growing gateway for residents and visitors traveling to and from Coastal Alabama.
* Allegiant’s inaugural flights starting in May are:
- Omaha, Nebraska (OMA) beginning May 21, 2026. – flight arrives at 8:06 P.M.
- Huntsville, Alabama (HSV) beginning May 21, 2026. – flight arrives at 5:38 P.M.
- Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (OKC) beginning May 22, 2026.- flight arrives at 7:14 P.M
- Louisville, Kentucky (SDF) beginning May 22, 2026. – flight arrives at 3:37 P.M.
- Springfield, Missouri (SGF) beginning May 22, 2026. – flight arrives at 12:12 P.M.
*Inaugural flights will feature water cannon salutes by Gulf Shores Fire Department, and welcome activities courtesy Alabama’s Beaches & Coastal Alabama Business Chamber
Link to updated Terminal Expansion Renderings and Route Maps
Terminal Renderings and Route Map
About Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF/JKA)
Gulf Shores International Airport sits on 838 acres just three miles from Alabama’s soft, white sugar-sand beaches, serving as the premiere gateway to the communities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. On May 21, 2025, the airport made history with its first scheduled airline flight on Allegiant. Service has since expanded to thirteen nonstop destinations and growing. A recent survey indicated that 43% of those using the airport had never visited Alabama’s Beaches before commercial air service existed.
In addition to its growing commercial schedule, Gulf Shores International supports a full spectrum of aviation needs, including general aviation, military operations, flight instruction, medical transport, law enforcement missions, and aircraft services. Through safe, efficient, and customer-focused operations, the airport drives economic growth, tourism, and connectivity to Coastal Alabama.
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