Official Newsletter of Broward County's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

Message From the CEO

Mark E. Gale

CEO/Director of Aviation

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

Dear Friends,

Although summer isn't officially here yet, the high temperatures we've experienced in recent weeks could signal another sizzling season of potentially record-breaking heat.

May delivered some thrilling events in our region, including the Air Dot Show Fort Lauderdale and Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix. Additionally, FLL helped welcome thousands of IPW attendees to Fort Lauderdale, and the airport hosted its 11th Autism in Flight program. Read more about these events in this edition.

On the flip side, May was a tough month for aviation in South Florida, as our hometown carrier, Spirit Airlines, officially ceased operations after 33 years due to escalating financial troubles exacerbated by rising jet fuel prices. At FLL, Spirit was a valued airline partner for over three decades, and the Broward County Aviation Department (BCAD) was deeply saddened by its collapse and the impact of its loss on displaced employees and travelers. BCAD has helped connect Spirit contacts with career resource and job opportunity agencies to collaborate on initiatives supporting impacted employees.

While Spirit had the largest share of passenger traffic at FLL before its demise, other carriers have significantly expanded operations here over the last two years. Additionally, since its shutdown, airlines, including JetBlue, Allegiant, and Avianca, have shown ongoing interest in new or expanded service at FLL. These new or expanded flights are expected to offset the shortfall from Spirit's absence.

Since Spirit's sudden closure, BCAD has worked steadfastly internally and through the airline's bankruptcy court proceedings to address the immediate and short-term impacts at FLL. One key focus and recent achievement was the legal reinstatement of our rights to Spirit's vacant leased space for future reallocation to other interested airlines. In the coming months, BCAD will take more steps to determine how Spirit’s vacated terminal space and gates will be reassigned at FLL to best optimize airport operations. So, stay tuned for updates.

As we enter mid-year, the Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November 30, and while forecasters indicate it will be “below normal," preparation is still key to staying safe, according to the National Weather Service. In June, FLL expects to welcome hundreds of avid soccer fans to South Florida for the seven World Cup matches scheduled for Hard Rock Stadium.

We look forward to welcoming you this summer to FLL.

Discussing International Aviation

Americas conference comes to town

FLL will be hosting the Airports Conference of the Americas (COA) for the first time from May 31-June 3, at the Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood. The COA event is presented by the International Association of Airport Executives and the South Central Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives. Approximately 100 airport executives from Latin America, the Caribbean, and North America, are expected to attend the four-day conference.

FLL at Seaport’s Job Fair

Businesses seek to fill jobs

BCAD Human Resources staff participated in the Port Everglades Career Fair & Expo on May 27, at the Broward County Convention Center, and the airport was among the over 40 registered companies. The seaport supports more than 12,000 local jobs, while FLL employs over 15,000 people through various tenants, including airlines, air service providers, and other businesses or agencies.

Visiting Hollywood Leaders

Touring the airport’s EOC

On May 26, BCAD welcomed Leadership Hollywood Class 49 participants for a behind-the-scenes tour of FLL. The 20-member group received a guided bus tour of FLL's airside operations, offering a closer look at the airport's day-to-day logistics and infrastructure. The visit also included stops at the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Station and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Leadership Hollywood is Florida’s longest-running leadership development program and aims to create opportunities for community involvement.

FLL Welcomes IPW

Nearly 5,000 attendees

The airport, in conjunction with Visit Lauderdale, rolled out the welcome mat to attendees of the IPW 2026 travel trade show that was hosted in Greater Fort Lauderdale from May 17-21 for the first time. We hope everyone had an unforgettable stay in Broward County and our airport community looks forward to welcoming you back to South Florida again for more visits soon.

11th Autism in Flight

Practicing the travel experience

It was a fun and informative day at FLL on May 12 as over 40 students from Broward County Public Schools participated in the airport's 11th Autism In Flight program, where autistic children and their families practiced the airport experience in a calm, supportive space. The simulation - from checking in to security processing and waiting at the gate - helped build confidence and sparked smiles as they boarded JetBlue's aircraft for a mock flight to beautiful Costa Rica. Many thanks to the families, volunteers, and our airport partners, including the Transportation Security Administration, concessionaire Areas, and the Broward Sheriff's Office, for making the event possible.

Public Art Feature

Robust collection of over 60 artworks

FLL’s diverse collection of more than 60 public artworks was featured in the Sun Sentinel on May 12. Several pieces of the collection were highlighted in the article, including “Vendor with a Walkman,” a lifelike bronze sculpture by the late Duane Hanson, Alice Adams’ “Stone and Glass Gardens", Guy Harvey’s “Sunken Treasure” mural and Marielle Plaisir’s terrazzo floor artwork, “A Journey.” For more information about the airport’s creative side, view our art brochure.

Wayman Graduation at HWO

Newly-minted aviators

FLL CEO/Director of Aviation Mark Gale was a guest speaker at a May 7 graduation ceremony at Wayman College of Aeronautics at North Perry Airport (HWO). Kudos to the graduating class for the dedication, discipline, and hard work in achieving an Associate of Aeronautical Science degree furthering their dreams of becoming professional pilots. Among the graduates was the college’s first female student to complete this degree. The countries represented in this graduation class were Colombia, Ecuador, Pakistan, and Trinidad.

26th Perfect Score

Safety is a top priority

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) recently conducted its annual inspection of HWO. On May 6, the general aviation reliever airport received another perfect score, marking the 26th consecutive year that the Broward County-owned and operated facility passed the inspection with no issues. The FDOT evaluation process ensures that the primary surfaces and safety areas for all runways are clear of hazards and meet state regulations, among other airfield and airport operational reviews. The annual inspection is required to maintain the airport’s operating license.

CHECK OUT THE SKY'S THE LIMIT MONTHLY STATS AT FLL.NET

FLLylights

Other key updates

TSA Hologram Agents

Two Tensator Smartv holographic displays were installed recently at TSA security checkpoints in two FLL terminals to deliver key travel-related information to travelers.

Middle Schoolers Tour

Allegiant Air teamed up with The ISTAT Foundation on May 6 to provide a group of middle school students with a behind-the-scenes look at life in aviation at FLL.

Air Show Recap

The highly anticipated Air Dot Show Fort Lauderdale brought special guests into town this month, including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds elite performers who used FLL’s runways for training and performance runs.

Newest AmbassaDog

Meet Sadie! FLL’s newest AmbassaDog is a Golden Retriever who comes from a litter of show dogs. Be on the lookout for her the next time you pass through!