Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Posts Record Q1, Plans Terminal Expansion Around Anticipated Passenger Growth

<B> Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood International Posts Record Q1, Plans Terminal Expansion Around Anticipated Passenger Growth</B>

By Judy Williams

March 1999 was the busiest month in the history of Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport--with more than 1.4 million passengers--and the third consecutive record-breaking month, making the first quarter of 1999 the busiest ever for the airport.

And more is yet to come. With the Broward County Aviation Department predicting that passenger loads will reach 25 million by 2015, the airport is planning a $334 million expansion program.

According to airport spokesman Jim Reynolds, plans include the addition of a fourth terminal with nine gates--to open in the second half of 2000--and a seven-story garage with 4,800 additional parking spaces to open in November 1999. During this period, other changes will include a new road network to the entrance roadway system and major renovations of the three existing terminals, with new ceilings, carpeting, wall covering, tiles, and new or refurbished ticket counters.

Until garage construction is complete in November, Reynolds advised passengers driving to the airport to be aware of possible disruptions. If arriving at the airport between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., travelers should expect parking shortages at the east side of the airport. Drivers should allot an additional 45 minutes to travel plans and expect to use the "Park and Save" on the airport's west side. In addition, drivers should watch for electronic signboards on the airport's entrance roadway, directing traffic to available parking.

One of the airport's key amenities always has been the close proximity of parking to the terminal, and the new garage--the largest parking facility in Broward County--will be right next door to the new terminal. It will provide passengers with a moving sidewalk between the two facilities.

While the renovations and new terminal construction is underway, Reynolds reminded passengers that the terminals "won't be pretty," but said the airport is committed to minimizing passenger disruptions by ensuring that all gates are functional, with staff working nights when necessary to minimize passenger disturbances.