Gainesville Regional Airport Cuts Ribbon on New Terminal Expansion

GAINESVILLE — Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) gathered today with dignitaries, community leaders, well-wishers and staff to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for its 15,200 square foot, two-gate passenger terminal expansion and improvement project, less than two years after breaking ground.

The expanded terminal provides a variety of passenger amenities and services to accommodate increased passenger traffic and demand. New amenities include expanded restrooms, a second food and beverage area, mother’s lactation room, quiet/reflection room, an outdoor pet relief area, and connectivity features in every passenger chair.

In his opening comments to guests, GNV’s CEO Allan Penksa expressed gratitude to those who have “been instrumental in shaping the vision for this great community asset,” and paid homage to the local construction teams “working hard through all types of conditions” to realize the almost $16 million project that is part of the airport’s master plan.

“This project has been years in the making and is an important milestone in our continuing efforts to provide high quality air service and passenger facilities to our region,” Mr. Penksa said. “The fact that all involved were able to do this so well and uninterrupted despite the challenges of a worldwide pandemic is simply amazing.”

Gainesville Alachua County Regional Airport Authority (GACRAA) Chairwoman Grace Horvath said as the community comes out of the pandemic, passengers are truly responding to the airport’s enhanced service and GNV’s “Fly Easy” experience. “Beyond the capacity improvements and ability to support new service, this project provides an even more beautiful front door to our region, one we can all be proud of.”

The terminal expansion was paid for by a combination of state and federal grants, along with passenger facility charges, or PFCs collected by the airport’s carriers, Delta and American Airlines. The terminal expansion and boarding bridges are the second and third phases of terminal investment, with final phases including additional parking options, new outbound, baggage screening/ handling system and additional airline operations space to better accommodate existing and future carriers.

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