Pensacola Airport Receives $6 Million Infrastructure Grant

Federal award kicks off construction on the apron expansion, the first physical phase of the airport’s Terminal Expansion & Modernization Program.

Pensacola International Airport has been awarded $6 million through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) Program, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

The award provides the funding needed to launch the first construction phase of the airport’s Terminal Expansion & Modernization Program, marking a major milestone in one of the largest infrastructure investments in the airport’s history.

What the money funds: The grant covers the airport’s apron expansion project — a foundational phase that will prepare the airfield to accommodate a new, five-gate concourse. The work will create the operational capacity needed to support construction of an expanded security checkpoint, a new passenger concourse, and additional aircraft gates, all while keeping airside operations safe and efficient.

It builds on a grant from earlier this year. In May, the airport received a $9 million Airport Terminal Program (ATP) grant, also through the IIJA, to expand the TSA security checkpoint and fund other terminal improvements.

• $9 million ATP grant (May) — funds improvements inside the terminal
• $6 million AIG grant (this award) — funds the airfield infrastructure that supports the expansion
• Combined: more than $15 million in federal funding toward the Terminal Expansion & Modernization Program

“This grant is the catalyst that moves our Terminal Expansion & Modernization Program into construction. While passengers will ultimately experience a larger security checkpoint, additional gates, and a transformed terminal, those improvements begin with the infrastructure that makes them possible. The apron expansion is the critical first construction phase that lays the foundation for everything that follows, and we’re incredibly grateful to the FAA for investing in our future.” — Matt Coughlin, Airport Executive Director

The Airport Infrastructure Grant Program was established through the IIJA to provide dedicated federal funding for airport infrastructure projects that improve safety, capacity, sustainability, and resilience while enhancing the passenger experience.

Congressional delegation weighs in. Coughlin credited U.S. Senators Ashley Moody and Rick Scott and U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis for their continued support of the airport and advocacy for federal aviation investment across Northwest Florida.

Patronis, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said the grant reflects the value of federal investment in the community.

“I’m proud to see this administration deliver more than $6 million to Pensacola International Airport to expand and modernize our terminal, improve safety, and support the growth of our community. Under President Trump and Secretary Sean Duffy, Northwest Florida is winning. I will continue fighting to bring our taxpayer dollars home, strengthen our infrastructure, and ensure Northwest Florida gets the investments it deserves.” — U.S. Rep. Jimmy Patronis

For more information about Pensacola International Airport, visit FlyPensacola.com.