Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) Airport Travel Guide: Terminals, Airlines, Parking & What’s Upcoming

One of the most significant and busiest airports in South Florida is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). It is in Broward County, Florida, about 3 miles (4.8 km) southwest of downtown Fort Lauderdale and approximately 21 miles (34 km) north of Miami. The airport covers the Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, and Boca Raton regions and even portions of Miami.

FLL can be reached conveniently via Interstate 595, Interstate 95, U.S. Route 1, and Florida State Roads A1A and 5, and it is one of the most conveniently located airports in Florida.

Key Facts About FLL Airport 

• IATA code: FLL

• ICAO code: KFLL

• Runways: Two main runways (9,000ft and 8,000 ft).

• Flights: Over 700 daily flights

• Destinations: Over 135 domestic and international routes.

• Airlines: Southwest Airlines, Allegiant Air, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines are some of the major airlines.

• Size of airport: The airport covers 1,380 acres (558 hectares).

• FAA Category: Large hub airport.

A Brief History of Fort Lauderdale Airport

It opened in 1929 under the name of the aviator of World War I, Merle Fogg, as the Merle Fogg Field. It was overtaken by the U.S. Navy during World War II and turned into Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale, which was a major training facility for naval aviators.

It was later reverted to local control after the war and renamed Broward County International Airport before adopting the present name in 1959.

It has grown rapidly over the years. New terminals were constructed in the 1980s and 1990s, and it became the headquarters of such large airlines as Spirit, JetBlue, and Southwest. The airport has further started developing into a great travel destination hub among local and international travelers.

Terminals At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)

(Source - https://www.broward.org/airport/Passengers/Parking/Pages/default.aspx)

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport consists of four operational terminals plus a fifth terminal currently under construction. All terminals are determined to facilitate smooth passenger flow, contemporary amenities, and a variety of airline operations, including both domestic and international flights. The airport is reputed to be user-friendly, clean, and simple to navigate even by first-time flyers.

Terminal 1 

One of the most modernized areas in FLL is Terminal 1, also known as the Yellow Terminal. It was constructed in phases between 2001 and 2003 and subsequently increased in 2017.
It contains a total of 24 gates divided into three concourses (A, B, and C).

• Airlines: United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Allegiant Air, Southwest Airlines, and Copa Airlines, as well as Bahamasair.

• Facilities: Large waiting bays, one large TSA checkpoint serving all concourses and ample restaurants and shop spaces.

• International Access: It has a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility, which means that passengers can reach it directly after the overseas destinations.

Terminal 1 can be distinguished by its elegant design and fast boarding. Travelers like the spacious design and easy access between concourses.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2, or the Red Terminal, is the primary terminal of Delta Air Lines and Air Canada; however, it is temporarily utilized by WestJet. It has a single concourse (Concourse D) with nine gates.

• Airlines: WestJet, Air Canada, and Delta.

• Lounge: It has a Delta Sky Club, which is a relaxing place where regular travelers can have snacks, beverages, and Wi-Fi.

• Recent Renovations: Newer interiors, current ceilings and flooring, and additional food and shopping.

This is a convenient and comfortable terminal where customers experience easy check-in experiences and a friendly traveling environment.

Terminal 3

The Purple Terminal, as it is commonly referred to, is the home of JetBlue Airways, which is one of the largest airlines at FLL. It primarily caters to JetBlue domestic flights but also serves several other airlines. It has two concourses, E and F, having 20 gates.

• Airlines: JetBlue, American Airlines, El Al, Azul Brazilian Airlines, Avelo Airlines, BermudAir, and Sun Country Airlines.

• Connectivity: Terminal 3 is connected to Terminal 4 by a walkway, which enables passengers to transfer between international and domestic flights easily.

• Facilities: Seating areas and charging points are large, with a broad selection of restaurants and shops.

Terminal 3 is relatively new and features a casual atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for passengers who prefer comfort and convenience before their flight.

Terminal 4

The Green Terminal, also known as Terminal 4, is the primary international terminal in Fort Lauderdale Airport. It was initially constructed in 1985, but was entirely refurbished, and the new Concourse G was finished in 2017.

• Airlines: Spirit Airlines (the primary airline), Air Transat, Avianca, Caribbean Airlines, Flair Airlines, and Porter Airlines.

• Gates: 14 gates, and most of them are meant to accommodate both international and domestic flights.

• Facilities: Modernized waiting and increased gate space, and enhanced customs space.

This is a terminal that is particularly significant to the passengers who travel to and out of the Caribbean, Latin America, and Canada. Most of the flights of Spirit Airlines are based here, and as a result, Terminal 4 is a lively and busy section of the airport.

Terminal 5

A new Terminal 5 is being built and is set to be opened in the middle of 2026. When finished, it will improve the airport capacity and passenger experience.

• Size: 230,000 square feet

• Gates: 5 new domestic gates.

• Amenities: New check-in locations, baggage claim, high-tech security, and additional food and retail stores.

• Connectivity: Pedestrian bridges will connect it with Terminal 4 and the Cypress Parking Garage.

Terminal 5 is included in an expansion project of FLL worth 3 billion dollars, which will make the airport ready to grow in the future for upcoming world events such as the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and an influx of international tourists.

Transportation and Accessibility.

It is easy to access and leave the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport due to its convenient location.

• By Car: Access through U.S. Route 1, I-595, and I-95. Moreover, Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE), the region's general aviation hub, is located about 13 miles (21 km) north of FLL, offering quick connectivity for travelers traveling between private and commercial flights.

• By Train: Tri-Rail and Brightline stations are connected by free terminal shuttles.

• By Bus: Broward County Transit Route 1 serves it and links it to downtown Fort Lauderdale and Aventura Mall.

• By Rideshare: Special pickup and drop-off areas between Terminals 1 and 2 and Terminals 3 and 4.

• Parking: On-airport parking and a consolidated rental car center connected to the terminals.

It is also in the development of an intermodal center and automated people mover system to facilitate more efficient connections between terminals, parking garages, and rail stations.

Shopping, Dining & Art at FLL

There are numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops spread across all terminals in the airport. You will have fast food and even a full-course meal.

One of the special attractions is the art installation by Duane Hanson named Vendor with Walkman, which is situated in Terminal 1. It is an indication of the airport to exhibit local and international art.

Future Developments

FLL is also undertaking a modernization project worth $3 billion to ensure that travel is more comfortable and easier. Plans include:

• Expanding gates from 62 to 95

• Inclusion of a hotel and conference center.

• Construction of an automated people mover.

• Implementation of PREMO Light Rail to link the airport, Port Everglades, and the Broward County Convention Center by 2028.

These improvements will equip FLL to host big events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Fort Lauderdale will play a key role as a key entry point to South Florida for soccer fans.

Final Thoughts

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is the most convenient, comfortable, and connected one. Being constantly upgraded, having modern terminals, and an increasing number of destinations, it is one of the best airports in Florida that can help domestic and international travelers reach their destinations. FLL is a smart and stress-free airport to use when traveling to your destination.