Southwest Florida International Airport Demolishes Old Air Traffic Control Tower Amidst Major Expansion
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is currently demolishing its old air traffic control tower, which had been operational since the airport opened on May 14, 1983, until August 29, 2023. This demolition is a component of a significant expansion project at the Fort Myers airport. A new, state-of-the-art air traffic control tower, built in 1982, became operational in 2022, offering improved visibility for existing and future runways. The old tower facilitated nearly 3 million air operations and served over 238 million passengers during its lifetime. The broader expansion initiative includes a comprehensive makeover of the main terminal, the addition of a new Concourse E designed to accommodate up to 19 gates, a new public safety building, and an array of new food, dining, and shopping options. The demolition work, which began this week, saw the top section of the old tower, where air traffic controllers once worked, already removed by September 3. 
