"As we continue to grow, we are running out of land, and we need to be strategic with what we use," Adam Lunn told city commissioners at their meeting on Monday, Aug. 17. The interim director of Lakeland International Airport shared what's next for the airport, from future developments to new airline routes.

An architectural floor plan diagram shown above a line drawing elevation view of a two-story building. — Here's the layout of the expanded terminal hold room, including more lounge space + an indoor play space. | Image via City of Lakeland

Terminal expansion

LAL is currently updating its Airport Master Plan, which covers development goals, plus new master plans for the SUN 'n FUN site and the airport's terminal area.

The plan is to expand the terminal to include five gates, including three with passenger boarding bridges, and additional space for concessions, security, and airport operations. It also calls for an intermodal center where you could hop on a Citrus Connection bus, hail a rideshare, or even take an air taxi to reach your destination.

Once the FAA approves the master plan, Lunn said construction could start as early as 2030.

Later on in the meeting, commissioners approved a $4.8 million grant agreement with the FAA to expand its terminal hold room. It will include a larger departure lounge, more restrooms, and an indoor play area developed in partnership with the Florida Children's Museum.

Fly nonstop routes from Central Florida to destinations like Nashville, TN through Avelo Airlines. | Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Avelo Air

Passenger service

A larger terminal would make it easier to bring in another airline. Lunn said LAL aims to have a "good market mix," and with Avelo covering the ultra-low-cost carrier bases, the airport is hoping for a traditional carrier (think: United or American Airlines) and a mid-level carrier like Southwest.

He also shared a few goals for LAL's passenger service routes: daily trips to Atlanta, year-round service to Detroit, and new routes. Those include Chicago, Dallas, the Washington, DC area, and the Smoky Mountain region.

An Amazon Prime Air cargo plane taxis on a runway — Amazon Air began operations at LAL in 2019. | Photo by @airportaltitude

LAL's growth, by the numbers

Lunn also shared several interesting statistics about LAL:

The airport generates around $1.5 billion in regional economic impact per year.
LAL covers 1,776 acres and includes more than 1.7 million sqft of facilities.
There were a record-breaking 158,830 aircraft operations in 2025.
More than 91,000 passengers boarded flights at LAL in 2025.
Last year, LAL was the 18th busiest airport in Florida — when it came to cargo operations, it ranked No. 3.