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

 
 
 
CEO/Director of Aviation Mark Gale

Message From the CEO

Mark E. Gale

CEO/Director of Aviation

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

 

Dear Friends,


We hope the Easter and Passover holidays in April were peaceful and enjoyable for those who celebrate these traditions. And as spring settles in, we welcome the season's hallmarks of renewal and new beginnings. Key activities during April at FLL included the Broward County Aviation Department's (BCAD) recognition of National Volunteer Week in appreciation of airport volunteers, a pre-Earth Day festivity, and Take Our Children to Work Day. Read more about these occasions in this newsletter.


During the month, headline industry news included reported talks of airline mergers and requests for federal government funding bailouts as air service operators face surging jet fuel costs with adverse impacts on their bottom lines. The ripple effects of the Middle East conflict on oil reserves and fuel prices have created financial pressure across the commercial aviation sector. In a recent earnings call, JetBlue announced plans to cut network capacity during off-peak periods to help control operating costs; however, the airline will continue to prioritize its growth at FLL. On the upside, some airlines, including American.


Delta, and United, have noted strong market demand despite the challenging environment, which bodes well for us in South Florida as we prep for several major sporting events and conferences in the coming months, including the FIFA World Cup. 


In our region, May's event roster includes the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix, the Air Dot Show Fort Lauderdale, and U.S. Travel's IPW Greater Fort Lauderdale. FLL also expects travel activity to peak between Mother's Day and the Memorial Day weekend.


Of note, in the first quarter of 2026, FLL served approximately 9.5 million passengers, a 6% increase in volume compared with the same three-month period in 2025.


We look forward to welcoming you during your next FLL trip.


Travel safely and be well!

 
 

Stormwater Upgrades

Enhancing the drainage system


The airport’s newest stormwater improvement initiative is earmarked for the nearby Greenbelt passive park along Griffin Road and set to run from mid-May to mid-June.



A portion of the park’s sidewalk will be closed during the FLL Primary Outfalls Modifications Project, and signs will advise alternate walking paths. The work will include installing inline backflow prevention devices that will enhance and fortify the park’s stormwater system for long-term functionality and sustainability.

 

Runway Safety Spotlight

Vehicle transponders and more


FLL's runway safety amenities were featured in a WPLG Ch-10 story in April that examined the importance of transponders on airfield vehicles and how they, along with other measures (lights, signs, driver training, and airport surface detection radar), help prevent accidents in critical airport movement areas. The impetus of the Ch-10 article was the airfield collision accident at LaGuardia Airport, NY, in March that resulted in two fatalities.



Overall, the local news feature illustrated that FLL goes above and beyond industry standards to ensure multiple airside initiatives and protocols are in place to protect airport passengers and employees.



 

Fun Day at Work

Learning about aviation

Nationally, April 23 was observed as Take Our Children to Work Day. 

Numerous BCAD employees brought their kids to FLL for a fun day of learning about their parents’ jobs and responsibilities as well as other roles and associated businesses within the airport environment.

 

Appreciating Our Volunteers

Celebrating their invaluable service

April 19-25 marked National Volunteer Week in 2026. To kick off the week, FLL showcased its volunteer programs on social media. Then, on April 22, members were given a special tour of the new Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel, attended a Visit Lauderdale IPW conference presentation, and were treated to small bites and refreshments while enjoying a scenic Water Taxi cruise. Each volunteer also received a FLL-branded tumbler as a thank-you for their unwavering support. If you're interested in our volunteer opportunities, learn more or apply at fll.net.

 

Pre-Earth Day Activities

Pledging to protect the planet

On April 20, FLL held a special pre-Earth Day event near the bag claim area of Terminal 3. Broward County's Aviation Department and Public Works Environmental Services (Air Quality Outreach and Marine Resources) welcomed passengers as they participated in the airport’s pre-Earth Day activity. Guests wrote environmental pledges and received free eco-friendly tokens as they learned about various ways to play a role in protecting the planet for future generations. Annually, Earth Day is recognized on April 22.

 

Mission Accomplished!

 

38th Honor Flight homecoming

It was an unforgettable “Operation Homecoming” for over 60 U.S. veterans who returned to FLL on April 11 after an Honor Flight South Florida (HFSF) day trip to Washington, D.C. via Spirit Airlines to visit their war memorials. 


The Mission 38 celebration reminded the well-wishers who welcomed them home of the sacrifice, commitment, and bravery of these American heroes who served in the Vietnam, Korean, and Cold War conflicts.


The HFSF vets from the Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy, and Navy Reserves, arrived at FLL to overwhelming cheers from family, friends, and even strangers. These homecomings are always an emotional experience as the veterans are greeted with “Thank you for your service” signs, handshakes, smiles, hugs, and tears of joy.

 

Reaching the Finish Line

Photo Credit: Max Desdunes


Racing camaraderie  



The 2026 Lexus Corporate 5K Run Fort Lauderdale took place on April 2, with nearly 300 Broward County Government employees participating, including seven from BCAD.

 

New Captain in Town

Photo/Story credit: BSO



Returning for duty



 

Capt. Shane Schroeder was recently named the new chief for the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) FLL Airport District. Schroeder is no stranger to FLL, having previously served as the BSO executive officer at the airport for about two years following his promotion to the rank of lieutenant in 2019. He joined BSO in 2003 after relocating to Florida from Colorado, where his law enforcement career began in 1995. Over the years, Schroeder has gained extensive experience in a variety of assignments, including patrol, field force, and as a property crimes detective in West Park. During his career, he’s also worked as a violent crimes detective and spent time in the homicide unit.

Schroeder holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in Public Administration. He was promoted to his new role at FLL in March. BSO is the official law enforcement agency for the Broward County-owned and operated airport.

 
 

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

 
 

FLLylights

Other key updates

 
 

 Photo Credit: Andre Chambers

 

Air Show Pizzazz


The popular Air Dot Show Fort Lauderdale returns May 9-10, and FLL is set to host some of the head-turning aircraft.

Read More >

 
 

E-Billing Launch



E-Bill Express at FLL is currently only available to Ground Transportation providers. For questions or assistance, call 954-359-2583, or email BCAD-AR@broward.org.

Read More >

 
 

More Passenger Seating


Several rows of new seats were temporarily installed on the check-in level of Terminal 2 to enhance the guest experience during the ongoing Terminal Connectors Project.

Read More >

 
 

North Perry Committee


There is still time to apply If you're interested in serving as a member of the new North Perry Airport (HWO) Community Advisory Committee for the 2026 term. 

Read More >

 
 

Celebrating 100 years


United Airlines marked its centennial anniversary on April 6 with gate-area decorations at FLL and a tabletop display of key company milestones.

Read More >

View past issues in the NewsFLLash archive.

 

Stay Connected

 

Broward County Aviation Department

320 Terminal Drive, Suite 200

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315


For questions or story ideas, email the Public Information Office at FLLNews@broward.org.

FLL is a service of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.

 
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