Press Releases

SRQ Passenger Numbers Increase for November 2023

For the month of November 377,272 passengers traveled through the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, a 5% increase compared to 359,488 passengers in November 2022. The 12-month activity through November 2023 totals 4,294,064 passengers, a 12.5% increase compared to 3,817,099 passengers for...

SRQ Passenger Numbers Increase for October Ahead of Thanksgiving Holiday

For the month of October 334,532 passengers traveled through the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, an 8.6% increase compared to 308,012 passengers in October 2022. The 12-month activity through October 2023 totals 4,276,280 passengers, a 13.15% increase compared to 3,779,254 passengers for...

Avelo Airlines Takes Flight with New Nonstop Service to Philadelphia from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport

SRQ is pleased to share Avelo Airlines press release. See attached for further details. For additional information contact: Fredrick J. Piccolo SRQ President, Chief Executive Officer Tel. (941) 359-2770, extension 4200 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Avelo Airlines Takes Flight with New Nonstop Service to...

Fredrick J. Piccolo Named 2022 Air Carrier Airport Manager of the Year by the Federal Aviation Administration

The Federal Aviation Administration’s Southern Region Airports Division has named Fredrick J. Piccolo, AAE, President, Chief Executive Officer of the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority, the 2022 Air Carrier Airport Manager of the Year. This award is given to an airport professional who exemplifies...

SRQ Passenger Numbers Show 21% Increase for September 2023

For the month of September, 230,685 passengers traveled through the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, a 21% increase compared to 190,405 passengers in September 2022. The 12-month activity through September 2023 totals 4,249,760 passengers, a 13% increase compared to 3,746,571 passengers for...

SRQ Passenger Numbers for August 2023

The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport reports a 10% increase in total passenger numbers as summer travel season concludes. During the month of August 2023, 261,091 passengers traveled through SRQ, an increase of 10% as compared to August 2022 despite the impact of Hurricane Idalia, which shut...

Public Notice DBE Program

NOTICE OF PROPOSED GOAL FOR PARTICIPATION BY DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES IN FEDERALLY FUNDED CONTRACTS AT SARASOTA BRADENTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SRQ) In accordance with 49 CFR Part 26, the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority (SMAA) maintains a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program...

Breeze offers 50% off Base Fares to Both Sarasota-Bradenton Destinations as it Extends Sale Schedule Through April --It’s the Airline’s Biggest Ever Three Day Sale --

Breeze unveils its “Make It Happen” sale, its biggest sale ever. See attached Breeze Airways press release for further details. For additional information contact: Rick Piccolo SRQ President, Chief Executive Officer Tel. (941) 359-2770, extension 4200 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Breeze Offers 50% Off Base...

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport Hurricane Idalia Update

As Hurricane Idalia approaches, the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) will close to all air traffic and the terminal will be locked and secured beginning at 7pm today, Tuesday, August 29th. SRQ plans to reopen at 8am tomorrow, August 30th, pending damage assessment. Travelers should...

Breeze Puts Fall Foliage Flights on Sale from Sarasota-Bradenton with First Ever ‘Percent Off’ Promotion

Breeze announces its first ever ‘percent off’ promotion for fall travel between September 5 and December 19, 2023. See Attached Breeze Airways press release for further details. For additional information contact: Rick Piccolo SRQ President, Chief Executive Officer Tel. (941) 359-2770, extension...

SRQ Passenger Numbers Continue to Grow in July 2023

Last month 323,396 passengers traveled through the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, compared to 283,125 passengers in July 2022. This represents an increase of 14%. The 12-month activity through July 2023 totals 4,185,188 passengers, a 12% increase compared to 3,752,032 passengers for the...

SRQ Airport Opens New Cell Phone Lot

Today, the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority (SMAA) announced the opening of our new and improved Cell Phone Lot at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. It is located at 1180 Rental Car Road, Sarasota, Florida, directly across from the previous temporary location, and offers easy access...

Avelo Airlines Announces New Nonstop Service from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport

SRQ is pleased to share Avelo Airlines press release. See attached for further details. For additional information contact: Fredrick J. Piccolo SRQ President, Chief Executive Officer Tel. (941) 359-2770, extension 4200 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Avelo Airlines Announces New Nonstop Service to...

The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport Launches Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program

The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is proud to participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program to aid individuals with non-visible disabilities and provide the support they need while traveling through SRQ. This voluntary program for airport passengers identifies hidden...

SRQ Passenger Numbers for June 2023

Last month 309,127 passengers traveled through the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, compared to 288,058 passengers in June of 2022. This represents an increase of 7%. The 12-month activity through June 2023 totals 4,144,917 passengers, a 9% increase compared to 3,795,854 passengers for the...

Breeze “Stretch it Out” Summer Sale

SRQ is pleased to share Breeze’s “Stretch it Out” summer sale. See attached Breeze Airways press release for further details. For additional information contact: Rick Piccolo SRQ President, Chief Executive Officer Tel. (941) 359-2770, extension 4200 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Breeze Airways Helps...

Breeze Begins Nonstop Service From SRQ To PVD

SRQ is pleased to announce that Breeze begins service Sunday, July 2nd, 2023, from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) to Providence, RI (PVD). ### For additional information contact: Rick Piccolo SRQ President, Chief Executive Officer Tel. (941) 359-2770, extension 4200 FOR IMMEDIATE...

SRQ Passenger Growth Continues in May 2023

For the month of May, 342,837 passengers traveled through the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, a 3% increase compared to 332,431 passengers in May 2022. The 12-month activity through May 2023 totals 4,123,848 passengers, an 8% increase compared to 3,820,705 passengers for the 12 months...

Military Aircraft Training Missions

SRQ and Dolphin/Hawthorne Aviation will be supporting the Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC) from June 4 – June 14. ATAC is the world’s largest outsourced civilian tactical airborne training organization. They maintain a versatile and highly capable fleet of transonic and supersonic aircraft...

SRQ Passenger Numbers Continue to Grow In April 2023

Last month 451,036 passengers traveled through the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, compared to 386,013 passengers in April 2022. This is a 17% increase and is the highest number of passengers for the month of April. The 12-month activity through April 2023 totals 4,113,442 passengers, a 9%...

SRQ Breaks 500,000 Passengers for March Over 4,000,000 Passengers in Last 12 Months

Last month 514,889 passengers traveled through the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, compared to 442,846 passengers in March 2022. This is a 16% increase and is the highest number of passengers for the month of March and for any month in the entire history of SRQ. The 12-month activity...

Breeze Airways Extends Flight Schedule Through Mid-November, Adds Fall Promo Fares from Sarasota-Bradenton to its “Little Things” Spring Sale

Breeze Airways announces extended flight schedule and spring sale. See attached Breeze Airways press release for further details. For additional information contact: Rick Piccolo SRQ President, Chief Executive Officer Tel. (941) 359-2770, extension 4200 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Breeze Airways Extends...

SRQ Breaks Ground on New 5-Gate Terminal Expansion

The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport held a groundbreaking ceremony today to celebrate the construction of the terminal expansion project. Connected to the east end of the ticket wing, the new 5-gate terminal will cover 75,300 sq ft. The facility will include a 4-Lane security checkpoint and...

SRQ Passengers Increase 16% for February 2023

Last month 393,807 passengers traveled through the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, compared to 340,465 passengers in February 2022. This is a 16% increase and is the highest number of passengers for the month of February in the history of SRQ. The 12-month activity thru February 2023...

Breeze’s “Fresh Take: Spring Break” Puts April & May on Sale from $49*

Breeze announces its “Fresh Take: Spring Break” sale for spring travel through April and May. See attached Breeze Airways press release for further details. For additional information contact: Rick Piccolo SRQ President, Chief Executive Officer Tel. (941) 359-2770, extension 4200 FOR IMMEDIATE...

2023 SRQ Passenger Aircraft Disaster Response Exercise (PADRE)

The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) will conduct their triennial Emergency Disaster Drill on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, from 1900 to 2200 with mutual aid partners from Sarasota and Manatee Counties, and State and Federal agencies. Local Media is invited to attend this drill to...

Avelo Airlines Takes Off With New Nonstop Service From Sarasota-Bradenton to Raleigh-Durham, NC

Please see attached press release from Avelo Airlines. For additional information contact: Rick Piccolo SRQ President, Chief Executive Officer Tel. (941) 359-2770, extension 4200 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Avelo Airlines Takes Off with New Nonstop Service from Sarasota-Bradenton to Raleigh-Durham, NC...

Breeze Airways Announces Nonstop Service from Sarasota-Bradenton, FL to Providence, RI

Breeze announces new service to Providence, RI beginning July 13, 2023. See attached press release. ### For additional information contact: Rick Piccolo SRQ President, Chief Executive Officer Tel. (941) 359-2770, extension 4200 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Breeze Announces New Nonstop to Providence from...

Breeze Extends: “Get off the Couch!” Sale Thru March

Breeze has expanded its “Get Off The Couch” sale for travel through March. See attached Breeze Airways press release for further details. For additional information contact: Rick Piccolo SRQ President, Chief Executive Officer Tel. (941) 359-2770, extension 4200 BREEZE EXTENDS “GET OFF THE COUCH!”...

Breeze Says: “Get off the Couch!” SRQ Sale from $39*

SRQ is pleased to share Breeze’s “Get off the Couch” Sarasota-Bradenton sale. See attached Breeze Airways press release for further details. For additional information contact: Rick Piccolo SRQ President, Chief Executive Officer Tel. (941) 359-2770, extension 4200 BREEZE SAYS: “GET OFF THE COUCH!”...

SRQ Finishes 2022 With Record Breaking Numbers

Last month 377,775 passengers traveled through the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, compared to 347,268 passengers in December 2021. This represents an increase of 8.8%. Passengers traveling through the airport in calendar year 2022 totaled 3,847,606. This is a 21.6% increase over the...

Breeze’s January Sale

2023 Bucket List Destinations from Sarasota-Bradenton Breeze announces low Bucket List airfares from SRQ. See attached, Breeze press release for further details. ### For additional information contact: Rick Piccolo SRQ President, Chief Executive Officer Tel. (941) 359-2770, extension 4200 FOR...

SRQ Passenger Numbers Up 203% in November

Sarasota/Manatee December 15, 2021 For Immediate Release SRQ PASSENGER NUMBERS UP 203% IN NOVEMBER Last month 321,643 passengers traveled through the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, compared to 106,195 passengers in November 2020. This represents an increase of 203% and is the second...

Allegiant Announces New Nonstop Service To/From Appleton International Airport (ATW)

Sarasota/Manatee Tuesday, December 7, 2021 For Immediate Release ALLEGIANT ANNOUNCES NEW NONSTOP SERVICE TO/FROM APPLETON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (ATW) SRQ is pleased to announce our 53rd nonstop destination to Appleton, Wisconsin (ATW) beginning March 11, 2022, with one-way fares as low as $59. The...

Sarasota Bradenton International Airport Renews Airport Health Accreditation

Sarasota/Manatee November 22, 2021 For Immediate Release Sarasota Bradenton International Airport Renews Airport Health Accreditation On November 12, 2021, the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) received a renewal of the Airport Health Accreditation Certificate from the Director General...

Allegiant Begins New Nonstop Route To Cedar Rapids From SRQ

Sarasota/Manatee Friday, November 19, 2021 For Immediate Release ALLEGIANT BEGINS NEW NONSTOP ROUTE TO CEDAR RAPIDS FROM SRQ The following press release was sent this morning by Allegiant announcing the launch of new nonstop service from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) to Cedar Rapids...

SRQ October Passenger Numbers and Tips For Travel

Sarasota/Manatee November 17, 2021 For Immediate Release SRQ OCTOBER PASSENGER NUMBERS AND TIPS FOR TRAVEL For the month of October, passenger traffic at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) totaled 275,359. Compared to October 2020, passenger traffic was 148% higher than the COVID-19...

Allegiant Announces New Nonstop Service To Akron With One-Way Fares As Low As $59

Sarasota/Manatee Tuesday, October 26, 2021 For Immediate Release ALLEGIANT ANNOUNCES NEW NONSTOP SERVICE TO FROM SRQ TO AKRON-CANTON AIRPORT SRQ is please to announce our 52 nd nonstop destination to Akron, OH (CAK). The new route is part of Allegiant’s return to service in Akron. The following...

Avelo Airlines Announces New Nonstop Service From Sarasota-Bradenton to Southern Connecticut

Sarasota/Manatee Thursday, October 21, 2021 For Immediate Release Avelo Airlines Announces New Nonstop Service From Sarasota-Bradenton to Southern Connecticut The following press release was sent this morning by Avelo Airlines. See attached. ### For additional information contact: Rick Piccolo SRQ...

SRQ September Passenger Numbers

Sarasota/Manatee October 18, 2021 For Immediate Release SRQ SEPTEMBER PASSENGER NUMBERS The number of passengers traveling through SRQ in the first 9 months of 2021 totaled 2,219,303. In the month of September, passenger traffic at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) totaled 188,816...

SRQ Changes Parking Rates Effective October 1

Sarasota/Manatee September 27, 2021 For Immediate Release SRQ Changes Parking Rates Effective October 1 (revised) On October 1, 2021, SRQ will be changing parking rates. Daily Rates in the Long Term Lot will increase from $13 to $14; the Shade Lot will increase from $14 to $15 and Short Term will...

SRQ Breaks Calendar Year Passenger Record

Sarasota/Manatee September 13, 2021 For Immediate Release SRQ Breaks Calendar Year Passenger Record The number of passengers traveling through SRQ in the first 8 months of 2021 totaled 2,034,538, breaking the all-time calendar year record of 2,010,304 set in 1990. In the month of August, passenger...

SRQ Cruises Toward Record Year

Sarasota/Manatee August 11, 2021 For Immediate Release SRQ Cruises Toward Record Year For the month of July, passenger traffic at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) totaled 326,947. Compared to July 2020, passenger traffic was 424% higher than the COVID-19 impacted level of 62,405...

Allegiant Announces New Nonstop Service To Two New Destinations From SRQ

Sarasota/Manatee Tuesday, August 10, 2021 For Immediate Release ALLEGIANT ANNOUNCES NEW NONSTOP SERVICE TO TWO NEW DESTINATIONS FROM SRQ The following press release was sent this morning by Allegiant announcing new flight service to Cedar Rapids, IA (CID) beginning November 19, 2021 and Tulsa, OK...

SRQ Smashes Monthly Passenger Record

Sarasota/Manatee July 12, 2021 For Immediate Release SRQ Smashes Monthly Passenger Record For the month of June, passenger traffic at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) totaled 312,909. Compared to June 2020, passenger traffic was 492% higher than the COVID-19 impacted level of 52...

SRQ Airport to Cease Operations at 6:30 PM

Sarasota/Manatee Tuesday, July 6, 2021 For Immediate Release SRQ Airport to Cease Operations at 6:30 PM The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport will cease operations at 6:30 pm this evening and reopen at 6:00 am tomorrow morning after assessing the Airport for storm damage. All travelers should...

Allegiant Announces New Nonstop Service To Washington, DC

Sarasota/Manatee Tuesday, June 29, 2021 For Immediate Release ALLEGIANT ANNOUNCES NEW NONSTOP SERVICE TO WASHINGTON, DC Allegiant announces new nonstop service from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) to Washington DC, Dulles, VA (IAD) beginning December 18, 2021, with low introductory...

SRQ Continues to Experience Substantial Growth

Sarasota/Manatee June 14, 2021 For Immediate Release SRQ Continues to Experience Substantial Growth For the month of May, passenger traffic at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) totaled 288,551. Compared to May 2020, passenger traffic was 622% higher than the COVID-19 impacted level...

Southwest Adds Service to Washington DC and New York

Sarasota/Manatee Thursday, June 10, 2021 For Immediate Release SOUTHWEST AIRLINES ADDS SERVICE TO 2 NEW DESTINATIONS FROM SRQ STARTING THIS FALL AND HOLIDAY FLIGHTS TO AUSTIN, TX. Southwest Airlines announces service from Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) to Washington DC, (Regan...

Elite Airways announces nonstop service from SRQ to White Plains , NY

Elite Airways Announces Sarasota-Bradenton Service to White Plains NY and Portland ME starting at $199 each way Passengers stopping in White Plains can access Elite’s daily nonstops to Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket MA; Tickets are on sale at 877-373-2910 and EliteAirways.com May 17, 2021 –...

SRQ Continues to Break Passenger Records!

Sarasota/Manatee May 14, 2021 For Immediate Release SRQ Continues to Break Passenger Records! In the month of April, passenger traffic at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) totaled 294,165 passengers, breaking the all-time record set the previous month with 277,590 passengers...

SRQ Breaks Record!

Sarasota/Manatee April 9, 2021 For Immediate Release SRQ Breaks Record! Highest Monthly Passenger Numbers Recorded in the History of the Airport For the month of March, passenger traffic at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) soared to 277,590 passengers, breaking the all-time record...

Southwest Adds Two New Destinations and Increases Frequency of Existing Flights

Sarasota/Manatee March 25, 2021 For Immediate Release Southwest Airlines Adds Two New Destinations and Additional Frequencies to Existing Flights Southwest Airlines has added nonstop service between the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) in Dallas...

SRQ Passenger Traffic for February Increases 26% Over January

Sarasota/Manatee March 11, 2021 For Immediate Release SRQ Passenger Traffic for February Increases 26% Over January For the month of February, passenger traffic at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) increased 26% over the previous month of January. February passengers totaled 159,772...

Delta Extends Daily Nonstop to Detroit Through Summer

Sarasota/Manatee Tuesday, March 9, 2021 For Immediate Release DELTA AIR LINES EXTENDS DAILY NONSTOP FLIGHTS TO DETROIT METROPOLITON WAYNE COUNTY AIRPORT (DTW) THROUGH SUMMER Delta Air Lines has extended its daily nonstop service between the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and Detroit...

United Airlines Extends Denver Nonstop through the Summer

Sarasota/Manatee Friday, March 5, 2021 For Immediate Release UNITED AIRLINES EXTENDS NONSTOP FLIGHTS TO DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (DEN) THROUGH SUMMER United Airlines has extended its seasonal nonstop service between the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and Denver International...

American Airlines Expands Chicago, IL (ORD) Service to Year-Round

Sarasota/Manatee March 2, 2021 For Immediate Release American Airlines Expands Chicago, IL (ORD) Service to Year-Round American Airlines has expanded its seasonal nonstop service between the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to daily, year...

Southwest Adds Seasonal Service to MKE and MDW

Sarasota/Manatee February 25, 2021 For Immediate Release Southwest Airlines adds Seasonal Service to Milwaukee, WI (MKE) and 2 nd Daily Flight to Chicago, IL (MDW) Southwest Airlines has added seasonal nonstop service between the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and Milwaukee Mitchell...

SRQ Passenger Traffic for January Increases 6% Over December

Sarasota/Manatee February 17, 2021 For Immediate Release SRQ Passenger Traffic for January Increases 6% Over December For the month of January, passenger traffic at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) increased 6% over the previous month of December. January passengers totaled 126,704...

SRQ Job Fair February 16, 2021

Sarasota/Manatee Monday, February 15, 2021 For Immediate Release SARASOTA BRADENTON INTERNATIONAL (SRQ) AIRPORT ANNOUNCES AIRPORT JOB FAIR Looking to start a meaningful career at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport? The Airport is hosting a Job Fair on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 from 12:00...

Allegiant Announces New Nonstop Service to Concord NC

Sarasota/Manatee Tuesday, February 9, 2021 For Immediate Release\ ALLEGIANT ANNOUNCES NEW NONSTOP SERVICE TO CONCORD, NC The following press release was sent this morning by Allegiant announcing new flight service two times a week to Concord, NC (USA) beginning May 28, 2021. Below is a quote from...

Southwest Adds Daily Nonstop to ATL

Sarasota/Manatee Thursday, January 28, 2021 For Immediate Release SOUTHWEST AIRLINES ADDS DAILY NONSTOP FLIGHT TO HARTSFIELD-JACKSON ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Southwest Airlines has added daily nonstop service between the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and Hartsfield-Jackson...

SRQ Passenger Traffic for December Increases 12% Over November

Sarasota/Manatee January 15, 2021 For Immediate Release SRQ Passenger Traffic for December Increases 12% Over November For the month of December, passenger traffic at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) increased 12% over the previous month of November. December passengers totaled 119...

Allegiant Announces New Nonstop Service To Peoria, IL

Sarasota/Manatee Tuesday, January 12, 2021 For Immediate Release ALLEGIANT ANNOUNCES NEW NONSTOP SERVICE TO PEORIA, IL WITH ONE-WAY FARES AS LOW AS $59* The following press release was sent this morning by Allegiant announcing new flight service two times a week to Peoria, IL (PIA) beginning May 27...

United Adds Nonstop to Houston (IAH)

Sarasota/Manatee Wednesday, January 7, 2021 For Immediate Release UNITED AIRLINES ADDS NONSTOP FLIGHTS TO GEORGE BUSH INTERCONTINENTAL/HOUSTON AIRPORT (IAH) United Airlines has added daily nonstop service between the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and George Bush Intercontinental...

Rectrix Aerodrome Center at SRQ Earns DASSP Approval as DCA Gateway

RECTRIX AERODROME CENTER AT SRQ EARNS DASSP APPROVAL AS DCA GATEWAY For Immediate Release/Wednesday, November 5, 2014 Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Rectrix Aerodrome Center (Rectrix), located at the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), received approval by TSA to become a Gateway FBO for...

SRQ Police Chief Graduates from FBI National Academy

For Immediate Release Tuesday, October 7, 2014 SARASOTA MANATEE AIRPORT AUTHORITY POLICE CHIEF GRADUATES FROM FBI NATIONAL ACADEMY Chief James Carlino of the Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority (SMAA) Police Department completed one of the most prestigious law enforcement training programs in the...

2014 SRQ Passenger Aircraft Disaster Response Exercise (PADRE)

Sarasota/Bradenton, Friday, April 11, 2014 For Immediate Release Sarasota/Manatee Distribution 2014 SRQ PASSENGER AIRCRAFT DISASTER RESPONSE EXERCISE (PADRE) The Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) will conduct their triennial Emergency Disaster Drill on Wednesday, April 16, 2014, from 3...