Lakeland, Fla. – The city’s Lakeland Linder International Airport is moving forward with a pair of federal grants that will fund immediate infrastructure upgrades. The money will support a terminal expansion that adds a second gate hold room and three new aircraft holding bays, laying groundwork for larger growth projected through 2030.
Federal grants target terminal and ramp improvements
According to Interim Airport Director Adam Lunn, the first grant will finance the construction of a new hold room adjacent to the existing gate area. The second grant will cover the building of three additional aircraft holding bays on the ramp. Both projects are slated to begin this fall, with the hold‑room work starting in September and the ramp bays following in October.
Lunn said the added space is intended to accommodate the rapid growth of Avelo Airlines, which currently operates out of the airport, and to position Lakeland Linder for service by major carriers such as United, American and Southwest. The upgrades are described as “initial steps” toward a larger terminal expansion that the airport hopes to complete around 2030.
Designated site for future air‑taxi testing
In addition to the terminal work, the airport has identified a parcel near the terminal for testing futuristic air‑taxi vehicles. The site will first be used for cargo‑type trials, with passenger‑carrying tests expected to begin by the end of the year if the program proceeds as planned.
Local resident Brian Nelsen, who has lived in the area since 2005, likened the upcoming technology to “The Jetsons.” He noted that direct air‑taxi service to destinations such as Houston could provide a significant convenience advantage over the current practice of driving to larger airports in Tampa or Orlando.
Impact on the community and regional travel
The upgrades are expected to create short‑term construction jobs and, over time, increase travel options for Lakeland residents and businesses. By expanding gate capacity and ramp space, the airport hopes to attract additional airline routes, which could boost tourism and economic activity in the region.
Officials emphasized that the projects are funded entirely through federal grants, meaning no additional tax burden will be placed on local taxpayers. The airport’s long‑term plan includes a more extensive terminal expansion that would further enhance passenger amenities and operational efficiency.
Next steps
Construction on the new gate hold room is scheduled to break ground in September, with the three aircraft holding bays to follow no later than October. The air‑taxi testing site is expected to begin research and vehicle trials by the close of the calendar year, starting with cargo operations before moving to passenger service.
Both the city and the airport will provide updates as the projects progress, keeping the community informed of timelines, job opportunities, and any potential impacts on airport operations.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
