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,

Fall is officially here, and we look forward to cooler temperatures arriving in South Florida so we can fully enjoy the season's traditions. With Autumn's arrival, preparation for annual festivities such as Halloween and Thanksgiving will soon ramp up as we head into the final quarter of 2026.

September brought a few notable airport happenings, including recurring nominations for FLL in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice as Best Airport for Art, and our Terminal 1 concession, Whisky River, is in the running for Best Airport Bar. Voting for the two categories continues through 11:59AM on October 5. A key September event was the Broward County Aviation Department's (BCAD) commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Patriot Day. Read more about these activities in the stories below.

As we move through the remaining two months of the Atlantic hurricane season, recent torrential weather impacts across South Florida in September serve as a reminder to stay vigilant and monitor potential weather threats closely.

Over at North Perry Airport (HWO), our general aviation facility, two key initiatives are underway: Lead Emission Screening (LES) and a new Safety Assessment (SA) report. BCAD issued the notice to proceed to the LES vendor, Research Triangle Institute, on September 1, for completion within 110 calendar days. Meanwhile, American Infrastructure Development, the SA contractor, continued data collection at HWO in September to complete the project within a year.

On the airline front, Air Canada relocated its operations at FLL into Terminal 4 from Terminal 2 on September 15, following similar moves this summer by Avianca and JetBlue (Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Dominican Republic flights only). These moves reflect BCAD's ongoing efforts to reallocate terminal space previously occupied by Spirit Airlines to interested carriers.

We look forward to serving you at our airports this fall.

North Perry 5K Race

Walk, run, or fly

On your mark, get set for a unique and fun race at North Perry Airport (HWO) on November 7, where you can walk, run, or feel like you're flying. This race, hosted by Broward County District 7 Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis, won’t be your usual 5K because runways and planes will be part of the experience.

So come out and join us at our general aviation airport's first-ever 5K on the Runway in partnership with Split Second Timing and WildSide Online. The race day schedule starts at 6AM with registration/packet pickup, followed by a warm-up at 7AM before the race begins at 7:30AM.

Don’t miss out, so register now.

USA TODAY Award Nominations

Best airport art and bar categories

FLL is vying for two USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards! Let’s boost our rankings and show some love to our nominated airport art and bar!

Best Airport for Art: Your daily vote can help push us to the top!

Best Airport Bar: Whisky River, created in partnership with Dale Earnhardt Jr., is rocking the Top 10 rankings, so let’s keep it soaring into first place!

Vote once daily until October 5 at 11:59 AM ET.

Meet Ambassador Bennis

Nearly a decade of service

For the past nine years, Phil Bennis has been one of the friendly faces greeting travelers at the airport. Since joining the FLL Airport Volunteer Ambassador Program in 2017, Bennis has dedicated more than 1,900 volunteer service hours, making a lasting impact on countless guests through his kindness, patience, and commitment to exceptional customer service.

Following his retirement, Bennis had been searching for a meaningful volunteer opportunity. Having spent more than 20 years in the cruise industry, assisting travelers at airports and seaports, volunteering at FLL was a natural fit. He was also encouraged by friendships with several longtime Volunteer Ambassadors, making the decision to join the program easy. We’re so fortunate to have him at FLL.

Dignified Transfer

A hero’s farewell

The Aviation Department’s Security Division assisted the U.S. Department of War in organizing a dignified transfer movement at FLL on September 16 for a fallen military member. The remains of a U.S. Marine Corporal who died recently arrived in Fort Lauderdale on board an American Airlines flight.

The solemn proceedings involved escorting the family members of the deceased, an Honor Guard, a hearse, and the funeral director to the arrival gate and ramp area for the traditional military plane-side ceremony.

Read more about dignified transfers here.

Coffee With the CEO

Insightful and engaging

What's better than coffee and pastries? Coffee and conversation with the CEO! This quarter's FLL Volunteers Meeting on September 2 featured "Coffee with the CEO," an informal chat with FLL CEO/Director of Aviation Mark Gale.

Gale gave the group of Ambassadors an inside look at FLL happenings, shared exciting updates on upcoming capital projects, and offered a behind-the-scenes perspective on the business of running an airport.

It was a great morning of engaging conversation, questions, and a chance for our volunteers to hear firsthand about the future of FLL.

Visit this link to learn about our volunteer programs.

25th Anniversary of 9/11

Remembering the innocent lives lost

This year marked 25 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and United Flight 93. Patriot Day, Friday, September 11, is a day of remembrance to honor the nearly 3,000 people who died in 2001, and a recognition of the courage and ultimate sacrifice of first responders who risked their own lives to save others. In commemoration of the tragic anniversary, BCAD hosted its annual "FLL Will Never Forget" from 8:30-9:30 AM in Terminal 1 near the airport’s dedicated 9/11 Memorial.

Special guests and speakers included Broward County Mayor Mark D. Bogen, Commissioner Michael Udine, County Administrator Monica Cepero, U.S. Customs & Border Protection Port Director Daniel Alonso, Transportation Security Administration Federal Security Director Jason Martin, Broward Sheriff’s Office Major Brian Montgomery, FLL CEO/Director of Aviation Mark Gale, and other Broward County government officials.

Our permanent 9/11 Memorial, which features an American flag, a New York firefighter's helmet, and a fragment of the World Trade Center's South Tower, served as a fitting symbol of resilience and unity.

Porter’s New Route

Photo credit: Andre Chambers

Next stop is London, Ontario

Porter Airlines is spreading its wings at FLL. The Canadian carrier plans to add new seasonal nonstop service between FLL and London International Airport in Ontario. London counts as Southwestern Ontario’s largest city, the airline said in a news release.

Dubbed the “Forest City”, London is home to over four million trees and more than 490 parks, according to London Tourism. The city also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, including galleries and historical sites as well as popular breweries and distilleries.

The Fort Lauderdale-to-London flights are scheduled to begin on November 18, operating four times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

New North Perry Committee

Convenes first meeting for 2026

The new 2026 HWO Community Advisory Committee (CAC) kicked off its first meeting on September 8 at Broward Community College in Pembroke Pines, near the general aviation airport.

The meeting’s agenda included board member introductions, a review of the CAC’s role and responsibilities, an ethics presentation, an airport overview, and election of committee chair, vice chair, and secretary. Speakers included Broward County District 7 Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis and Airport Manager Nina MacPherson.

In October 2025, the Broward County Commission voted to reinstate this airport committee, which had automatically ceased operations in December 2024.

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

FLLylights

Other key updates

Hispanic Heritage Month

At FLL and HWO, we celebrate the diverse Hispanic influences that enrich South Florida and contribute to the dynamic atmosphere and character of our airports.

Gone, But Not Forgotten

United Airlines created a special display in FLL’s Concourse C during the month to remember 16 crew members killed in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.