Construction Preparations Begin for Major 80,000-Square-Foot Addition
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (October 9, 2025) — Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is advising travelers to allow extra time when visiting the airport starting mid-October, as preparations begin for the new North Terminal expansion. The airport will begin making modifications to West Bay Parkway, Terminal Loop Road, and the adjacent rental car return entrance ahead of breaking ground this winter on our transformative three-phase project.
Passengers should plan to arrive a little earlier than usual and watch for updated signage directing them through any temporary changes to the roadway and rental car return entrance. While ECP is working diligently to minimize disruptions to the travel experience, these early preparations are essential groundwork for the significant improvements ahead.
“If you’re a frequent visitor to the airport, you’ll notice the start of some big changes,” said Mark Sheldon, chairman, board of directors, Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport. “We appreciate your patience through this expansion project. Our airport is growing to meet the demands of our passengers and airlines. We can’t wait to show off the enhanced passenger experience when this new terminal is complete.”
The newly expanded terminal represents ECP’s essential response to record-breaking demand, which is currently up more than 501 percent from the airport’s first year of operation 15 years ago. The 80,000-square-foot facility will feature three additional gates, six airline baggage offices, a vertical transportation corridor with escalators, elevators, and stairs, as well as four additional baggage claim carousels.
Images courtesy Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport 
As ECP approaches the milestone of two million annual passengers, the new terminal expansion will bring travelers a host of improvements designed to enhance their airport experience. The additional capacity will allow for enhanced flight opportunities. Passengers can look forward to upgraded concessions, restrooms, and passenger seating and services, as well as a new security screening checkpoint at strategically relocated and expanded TSA operations.
The new North Terminal expansion ensures that ECP will continue to evolve and meet the needs of future travelers while maintaining the efficient, passenger-focused experience for which the airport is known.
For the latest updates on construction progress and any travel advisories, passengers are encouraged to visit the airport’s website or follow ECP on social media.
About Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport | Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is located less than 30 minutes from Panama City Beach, Panama City and the beaches of South Walton. With service from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, ECP provides daily flights to worldwide destinations, including daily and seasonal nonstop flights to Atlanta (ATL), Austin (AUS), Baltimore (BWI), Charlotte (CLT), Chicago (MDW/ORD), Dallas (DAL/DFW), Denver (DEN), Houston (HOU/IAH), Indianapolis (IND), Kansas City (MCI), Nashville (BNA), New York City (LGA), Philadelphia (PHL), St. Louis (STL) and Washington D.C. (DCA). ECP provides northwest Florida communities with first-class facilities and was strategically developed for major economic development opportunities. ECP is the gateway to visitors seeking northwest Florida’s famous beaches.