RSW Named Top Medium-Sized Airport

Southwest Florida International Airport, known as RSW, scored a tie for first place among the best airports in the country in the medium-sized airport category, according to a J.D. Power airport satisfaction study released last month. It tied for first place with Dallas Love Field. Its ranking reflects its place among North American airports with under 10 million annual passengers. It was opened in 1983, and has grown into a Top 50 airport for passenger traffic in the United States. Southwest Florida International Airport, known by its airport code RSW (Regional South-West), or previously Southwest Florida Regional Airport, is a county-owned airport in South Fort Myers. The airport primarily serves Fort Myers, Sanibel, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, Captiva Island, Estero, and Marco Island. The airport is the third largest airport in the U.S. in land size. The airport is the second busiest single-runway airport in the U.S. after San Diego International Airport. The original terminal in 1983 was on the north side of the runway at the end of Chamberlain Parkway. Delta Air Lines operated the first flight. A new state-of-the-art terminal opened in 2005 and now features a direct connection between I-75 (Exit 129) and the main entrance of the airport. For the satisfaction study, J.D. Power looked at several factors, including terminal facilities; airport accessibility; security check; baggage claims; and terminal shopping. The airports that scored the highest with customers attached high importance to attractive shops, dining, and seating. The Top 5 Medium-Sized Airports, in order, are Southwest Florida International Airport and Dallas Love Field (tie); Indianapolis International Airport; Raleigh-Durham International Airport; Jacksonville International Airport; and Nashville International Airport. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport ranked the worst airport in this category. The Top 5 Large-Category Airports, in order, are Portland International Airport; Tampa International Airport; Las Vegas McCarran International Airport; Orlando International Airport; and Salt Lake City International Airport. Newark Liberty International Airport ranked the worst airport in the category.