With over 700 daily flights to 135 domestic and international destinations, the airport has become an intercontinental gateway since the late 1990s, althoughMiami International Airport still handles most long-haul flights in and out of South Florida. It serves as a primary airport for theFort Lauderdale,Pompano Beach,Coral Springs, andBoca Raton areas, and a secondary airport for parts of Miami and areas north of Boca Raton. The airport is a base forAllegiant Air andJetBlue, as well as forSpirit Airlines, which has its corporate headquarters located in nearby Dania Beach. It is also the primarySouth Florida airport forSouthwest Airlines.
World War I aviator Merle Fogg purchased an abandoned nine-holegolf course that was destroyed in the1926 Miami hurricane for $1,200 (about $22,000 in 2025[6]) in 1928. On May 1, 1929, the airport officially opened asMerle Fogg Field, with two criss-cross unpaved runways. At the start ofWorld War II, it was commissioned by theUnited States Navy and renamedNaval Air Station Fort Lauderdale. The runways were paved, and a control tower was built. The base was initially used for refitting civil airliners for military service before they were ferried across the Atlantic to Europe and West Africa. NAS Fort Lauderdale later became a main training base forNaval Aviators and enlisted naval air crewmen flying theGrumman TBF and TBM Avenger for theU.S. Navy andU.S. Marine Corps aboard aircraft carriers and from expeditionary airfields ashore. NAS Fort Lauderdale was the home base forFlight 19, the five TBM Avengers that disappeared in December 1945, leading in part to the notoriety of theBermuda Triangle.
NAS Fort Lauderdale closed on October 1, 1946 and was transferred to county control, becomingBroward County International Airport.[7]
Passenger facilities at the airport were expanded in the 1980s. Much of the current terminal complex (present-day Terminals 2, 3, and 4) were built by 1986 to replace the 1959 terminal. Additionally, bothU.S. Route 1 and theFlorida East Coast Railway at the airport's entrance were shifted further east to make room for the expansion.[11]
Low-cost airline traffic grew in the 1990s, withSouthwest opening its base in 1996;Spirit in 1999; andJetBlue in 2000.Spirit Airlines made FLL ahub in 2002. In 2003,JetBlue made FLL afocus city.US Airways also planned a hub at Fort Lauderdale in the mid-2000s as part of its reorganization strategy before its merger withAmerica West Airlines.[12] Eventually, low-cost competition forced several major legacy airlines to cut back service to FLL, with United pulling out of the airport entirely in 2008[13] andAmerican Airlines moving its New York and Los Angeles services toWest Palm Beach in 2013.[14]
In January 2000,South African Airways (SAA) introduced service from Cape Town to Atlanta via Fort Lauderdale on a Boeing 747. The flight from Atlanta to Cape Town operated nonstop.[15] Fort Lauderdale served both as a refueling stop and as a place to pick up passengers. SAA had just startedcode-sharing with Delta Air Lines, which offered several flights from the airport.[16] Changes to security regulations following theSeptember 11 attacks forced SAA to eliminate the stop.[17]
During the2005 hurricane season, FLL was affected byHurricane Katrina andHurricane Wilma. Katrina struck land in late August as aCategory 1 and made landfall on Keating Beach just two miles from the airport (near the border ofBroward andMiami–Dade counties) with 80 mph (130 km/h) winds but caused only minor damage; however, the airport was closed for about a 48-hour period. However, when Hurricane Wilma made landfall in October roof damage was reported along with broken windows, damaged jetways, and destroyed canopies. The airport was closed for a period of five days. Hurricane Wilma was aCategory 2 when its center passed to the west of FLL. In February 2007, the airport started fees to all users, including private aircraft. FLL is one of the few airports to administer fees to private pilots. A minimum charge of $10 is assessed on landing private aircraft.
In May 2008,Zoom Airlines launched a seasonal link to London's Gatwick Airport via Bermuda. The airline shut down three months later.[18][19] In May 2010,Condor began a seasonal flight to Frankfurt.[18][20]Norwegian Air Shuttle introduced routes to Copenhagen and Oslo in November 2013 and to Stockholm the following month.[21][22] The company expanded its operations in Fort Lauderdale over the next few years. By 2017, Norwegian had established a crew base at the airport and added flights to three more cities in Europe, as well as seasonal service to two Caribbean destinations.[23]
Emirates launched a flight to Dubai using a Boeing 777-200LR in December 2016. While major airlines tended to prefer flying into Miami, Emirates chose Fort Lauderdale as its gateway to South Florida because of itscodeshare agreement with JetBlue and the airport's central location in the region.[24][25][26]
On January 6, 2017, a lone gunmanopened fire inside Terminal 2 with asemi-automatic handgun, killing five people. The shooter was arrested by a BSO deputy within 85 seconds of when he began shooting.[27] He was sentenced to five consecutive life sentences plus 120 years in prison.[28][29][30]
In 2018,NORAD announced that it would be stationing fighter jets at the airport during PresidentDonald Trump's trips toMar-a-Lago.[31] That same year, the airport had started going through an extensive renovation and expansion project worth approximately $3 billion, adding gates, new parking, stores, and shops. The master plan calls for the construction of an Intermodal center, a people mover, a hotel, an increase in the number of gates from 62 to 95, and widening of the terminal access road.[32]
Emirates ended service to Fort Lauderdale in 2020. In 2021, it began flying to Miami instead, which had more cargo traffic and connecting flights to other countries.[33] In the same year, Norwegian decided to discontinue all of its flights to the United States, leaving the Fort Lauderdale airport without transatlantic service.Norse Atlantic Airways launched a direct flight to Oslo in June 2022.[34]
In April 2023,historic flooding in the area caused severe disruptions at the airport, culminating in a complete closure as rainwater flooded parts of the tarmac and airport property.[35] Norse Atlantic relocated to Miami in pursuit of more passengers and cargo in September 2023. The airline was also flying to London-Gatwick and had a crew base in Fort Lauderdale at the time.[36] In the same month,El Al commenced a seasonal route to Tel Aviv for the JewishHigh Holidays. It transitioned to year-round service in April 2024 despite the ongoingGaza war and anIranian attack on Israel two days prior. After Miami, Fort Lauderdale was El Al's second destination in South Florida, which has a largeJewish population.[37][38] In October 2023, one month following El Al's commencement of service at the airport, officials broke ground on FLL's new Terminal 5, which is expected to be completed by mid-2026.[39][40][41][42]
In 2024, Southwest shifted its international flights from Fort Lauderdale to its operating base in Orlando.[43][44]
Several airport projects are planned or underway as of 2026, to be completed by the end of the decade, in line with the airport's master plan.[32] These include the construction of airside terminal connections between Terminals 1, 2, and 3, the intermodal center, Terminal 5, and an automated people mover connecting the terminals, garages, and the intermodal center.[32][45][46][47] Additionally, the Palm Garage is to be reconstructed, with an on-site hotel & conference center built adjacent to the reconstructed garage, while Terminal 3 will be rebuilt & expanded and a station on the proposed Broward Commuter Rail section of theFECCoastal Link is established.[32][46][48][49]
In 2026, FLL will become a hub for soccer fans as a main transportation point for fans forWorld Cup 2026 events in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area and the seven games being hosted atHard Rock Stadium, 15 miles south of the airport.[51]
Terminal 1's check-in area in 2007Terminal 1 hallway, just past the security checkpointA waiting area in Terminal 1, Concourse A; Terminal Drive is visible in the background
10R/28L: 8,000 x 150 ft (2,438 x 46 m), concrete (enlarged September 18, 2014)[54]
The former crosswind runway, 13/31, was closed and decommissioned in 2013 as part of the Airport Expansion Program, which also extended runway 10R/28L to its current length.[54][55][56]
Silver Airways previously had its headquarters in Suite 201 of the 1100 Lee Wagener Blvd building.[57][58] WhenChalk's International Airlines existed, its headquarters was on the grounds of the airport in an unincorporated area.[59]
Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport operates four terminals with 67 gates, with another terminal under construction as of 2024. Terminal 1 was built in phases between 2001 and 2003 and was expanded in 2017. The other three terminals were constructed in the mid 1980s and designed byReynolds, Smith & Hills as part of a $263 million construction project.[60]
As of 2025, Terminal 5 is under construction and is expected to be completed by 2026.[40][41]
Terminal 1 was designed byHellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum and Cartaya Associates.[63][64] The first phase of Terminal 1 opened in April 2001 which included Concourse C. The second phase, which included Concourse B, opened in 2003.[65] Terminal 1 received a $300 million renovation from late 2015 to June 2017 which included a singleTSA security checkpoint and concession hall. Concourse A was also built during this renovation which also included a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility for international flights.[66][67]
Terminal 2, previously known as the Red Terminal, containsConcourse D and 9 gates (Gates D1–D9).[68]Air Canada andDelta Air Lines operate at Terminal 2. Due to construction in Terminal 1, WestJet currently operates from Terminal 2 as well. Delta Air Lines operates a Sky Club here.
Terminal 2 opened in November 1986 and it was originally known as the North Terminal.[69] By 1989, it was designated as Terminal 1 (with its concourse designated as B).[70] The terminal was renamed Terminal 2 in 1999 when the 1980s terminals and concourses were renamed in preparation for the construction of the current Terminal 1.[71] Terminal 2 was renovated in 2018, which included the expansion of the check-in area, renovations to security screening facilities, new ceilings, flooring, and the inclusion of more concessions, along with the modernization of the Sky Club.[72]
Terminal 3 opened in March 1986 and it was originally known as the West Terminal.[75] It was later known as Terminal 2 (with its concourses designated as C and D) until the terminals were renumbered in 1999.[71]
Terminal 4, previously known as the Green Terminal, containsConcourse G with 14 gates (Gates G1–G14).[76] Terminal 4 functions as the operating base forSpirit Airlines. It is primarily used for international flights with JetBlue's international flights also operating from Terminal 4. Terminal 4 is also served byAir Transat,Avianca,Flair Airlines, andPorter Airlines.[62]
Terminal 4 opened in August 1985 and it was initially known as the South Terminal.[77] Service was inaugurated by aConcorde on opening day.[78][79] The terminal originally contained a 10-gate concourse that was perpendicular to the terminal. It also included a ground-level wing on the east end known as the Commuter Terminal for airlines operating smaller propeller aircraft such as Air Sunshine andCape Air.[80] The terminal was later known as Terminal 3 (with its concourse designated as F).[70] The terminal was renamed Terminal 4 and its concourse was named Concourse H when the terminals were renamed in 1999.[71] Terminal 4 was renovated in the 2010s with the first phase of Concourse G opening in July 2015.[81] Concourse G was complete by 2017 and the perpendicular Concourse H was then demolished. 11 of the 14 gates in Concourse G are international/domestic capable, and one arrival area for bussing operations.[82]
On October 9, 2023, Broward County officials held a groundbreaking ceremony for the airport's new Terminal 5 (T5).[40][41] The $404 million, 230,000-square-foot facility will feature five new domestic gates, check-in and baggage areas, security screening, and a variety of retail and food services. T5 will connect to T4 and the Cypress parking garage through pedestrian bridges. The terminal is set for completion by mid-2026.[40][41]
The terminals are accessible byHighway 1.[83] Other major roads that border the airport includeSR 818,I-95, andI-595.[83] U.S. Route 1 includes an underpass under Runway 10R/28L.[54][83]
Ride-sharing companies can also be used to and from the airport in designated pickup and drop-off places found between Terminals 1 & 2 and Terminals 3 & 4.[83][84]
The airport also offers airport parking and operates aconsolidated rental car facility which can be accessed directly Terminal 1 and from the other terminals by a free shuttle bus service.[86]
Internationally known artist and sculptorDuane Hanson created an installation for his workVendor with Walkman at the Departure Level of Terminal 3 at the airport. Hanson, who retired and died in nearby Boca Raton, created a seated middle-aged man wearing a red T-shirt, blue pants, and baseball cap, and listening to a walkman during a break. The installation accessories give additional clues to the narrative of the artwork: toy airplane, various signs, and announcements for the shop, janitorial supplies.[87] The artwork has since been moved to Terminal 1 Arrival Level.
From 1957 through 2025, 872,435,278 passengers (domestic+international, enplaned+deplaned) have passed through Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Int'l Airport, an annual average of 12,643,990 passengers per year.[169]
On May 18, 1972, anEastern Air LinesMcDonnell Douglas DC-9-31 collapsed its landing gear during landing, causing the tail section to separate. The aircraft then caught fire, but all passengers and crew were able to safely evacuate.[170]
On May 26, 1979, an Inter Island Shipping Inc.Lockheed Ventura, later converted into a Howard 350, crashed when one engine lost power shortly after takeoff during a forced landing, impacting trees near FLL. Both occupants died. Contaminated fluid was found in the carburetor of the engine.[171]
On November 19, 2013, an Air Evac InternationalLearjet 35 crashed shortly after take-off from the airport, impacting theAtlantic Ocean three miles northeast of FLL on its way toCozumel, Mexico. The aircraft made amayday, possibly due to engine failure, and was attempting to return to the airport at the time. Four people died.[173]
On October 29, 2015,Dynamic Airways Flight 405, aBoeing 767-246ER (N251MY), was taxiing to a runway to take off for a flight toCaracas,Venezuela when its left engine caught fire due to a fuel leak. The crew immediately stopped the airplane and fire crews arrived on the scene. All 101 passengers and crew evacuated the aircraft, and 17 passengers were transported to a hospital. All runways were shut down and air operations suspended at the airport for three hours.[174]
On October 28, 2016,FedEx Express Flight 910, aMcDonnell Douglas MD-10-10F suffered a landing gear collapse upon landing. The aircraft subsequently caught fire, which destroyed the left wing and engine. The two crew members on board both survived.[175]
On July 23, 2023, shortly after take off, anAllegiant AirwaysAirbus A320 turned into the path of a Gulfstream private plane. Thetraffic collision avoidance system alarm on both planes activated. Both planes subsequently took evasive action and averted a collision.[176]
^Satchell, Arlene (December 16, 2016). "Emirates offers flights between US & Dubai: Airline adds Fort Lauderdale gateway".South Florida Sun Sentinel.ProQuest1849138741.
^"Contact UsArchived May 13, 2014, at theWayback Machine." Silver Airways. Retrieved on May 8, 2014. "1100 Lee Wagener Blvd, Suite 201 Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33315."
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