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,

Spring is officially here, and it's been a very busy travel season at FLL so far, and March 2026 could well be the busiest we've had in recent years. Still, while passenger traffic felt record-breaking at times during the month, we'll see whether the final numbers pan out when balanced with the hundreds of flight cancellations nationwide in March due to severe weather and other unexpected impacts. Even amid industry challenges, passenger traffic at FLL this year is up 3.3 percent through February compared to the same period in 2025, and we're hopeful the positive momentum will continue for March.

During March, FLL welcomed a steady stream of travelers, from throngs of college spring break students and cruising enthusiasts to others flying for leisure or business. In 2026, Fort Lauderdale placed second among the top 10 U.S. destinations for spring travel breaks, according to AAA Travel booking insights. We expect FLL to be hopping with travel activity through the Easter holiday timeframe. With high passenger volumes, the airport's roadways and terminals have experienced sporadic congestion and long lines during peak flight arrival and departure times. While we've taken several actions to alleviate the traffic bottlenecks in both areas, we appreciate the patience and understanding of airport guests during these busier periods.

As the peak travel season continues amid the partial federal government shutdown, we're especially grateful to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) passenger screening employees at FLL and nationwide who worked without pay to help keep our airports safe. In March, FLL collaborated with airport and community partners on a food drive and discounted gas offer to benefit unpaid TSA employees.

Next month, key FLL events on tap include Honor Flight of South Florida Mission 38 on April 11 and activities to mark National Volunteer Week and Earth Day.

So, until next time, have a happy Passover and Easter holiday!

Distinguished Award

30+ years in aviation

Congratulations to our CEO/Director of Aviation, Mark Gale, who received the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Distinguished Service Award at the Broward County Board of County Commissioners meeting on March 26. AAAE Chair and Director of Boise Airport Rebecca Hupp recognized Gale for his outstanding leadership, achievements, and service, which have left a lasting impact on his airport, colleagues, and communities she noted during the award presentation. Kudos again, Mark, on receiving one of the association's highest honors for an airport professional, and so well deserved!

Spotlighting Finance

Photo credit: Richard Perry II

Sharing career insights

BCAD Director of Finance Priscilla Diaz participated in her alma mater McArthur High School's 5th Annual Women's History Month panel discussion in Hollywood on March 26. Over 70 young ladies were invited to hear career insights and inspiration from nearly 20 speakers. The event theme was "Your S.H.I.N.E. is the WAY," denoting a school acronym that stands for "Strength, Hope, Inspiration, Nurture, and Empowerment."

The panel discussion aimed to "educate, empower, and encourage" attendees by providing examples of past and current contributions, achievements, and the courage of strong women leaders from the community, school organizers said.

Artful Expressions

On display until March 2027

The 13th edition of FLL’s captivating employee art exhibition, “I Bet You Didn’t Know” (IBYDK), was installed on March 23 in the post-security connector walkway between Terminals 3 and 4. This latest exhibit features 49 artists. IBYDK rotates annually with new artwork from a diverse group of FLL employees. Click here to see the artwork virtually.

St. Patrick's Day Cheer

Spirited dance moves

FLL guests traveling through Terminal 4 Concourse G on March 17 got a treat from Drake School of Irish Dance performers as they staged a special flash mob dance to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. The crowd of passengers and employees who gathered to watch the young dancers smiled and cheered while recording the surprise performance.

Spirit's Accessibility Training

Updates on DOT rules

On March 11, two members of BCAD's Administration division, Marcela Denis Perez (Airport Manager, Guest Experience, left) and Linda Merrill (Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator, right), attended a Spirit Cares 2026 Frontline Disability Awareness Train-the-Trainer session at the airline's Dania Beach headquarters.

The purpose of the session was to educate Spirit Airlines’ trainers of wheelchair assistance agents across its airport network, including at FLL, about new accessibility regulations from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), noted Spirit Training Outreach Coordinator Charlene Trezvant (center). The training overall helps ensure the travel experience for people with disabilities is as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Successful Operation

Emergency training at night

BCAD, in partnership with various FLL stakeholders, hosted another successful full-scale training exercise overnight on Thursday, March 5, from 8PM to 12:30AM on Friday, March 6. FLL is required to conduct this comprehensive drill every three years to test its emergency response capabilities as part of the airport's operating certification from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The "Operation Night Owl" simulated scenario involved a collision between two aircraft carrying over 200 passengers and crew combined, and training activities included a live firefighting demonstration (pictured). More than 300 volunteers from the airport and community, as well as nearly 40 entities, including 10 hospitals, two airlines, a fixed-base operator, and several law enforcement and fire-rescue agencies, participated.

Celebrating 12 years

Photo/story credit: JetBlue Airways

Inspiring female aviators

In celebration of International Women’s Day, JetBlue hosted its 12th annual Fly Like a Girl event at FLL on March 7, welcoming 200 young girls for a day of fun designed to inspire the next generation of aviators. In partnership with Jetscape Services and supported by JetBlue’s Women In Flight, Crewmember Resource Group, Corporate Social Responsibility & Impact team, and the JetBlue Foundation, this year’s event underscored JetBlue’s long-standing commitment to South Florida, where its first flight landed in Fort Lauderdale 26 years ago.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in hands-on activities to spark interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Pilots, technicians, engineers, and operational leaders also shared their career journeys and demonstrated the many career pathways within our industry. Additionally, the Museum of Discovery and Science’s STEMobile brought interactive, real-world science learning directly to attendees.

North Perry Committee

Seeking to fill vacancies

If you're interested in serving as a member of the new North Perry Airport (HWO) Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for the 2026 term, you may apply at this link.

Visit the Community Engagement page on HWO’s website for more information about the CAC. In October 2025, the Broward County Commission voted to reinstate this airport committee, which had automatically ceased operations in December 2024.