Gulf Shores International Airport has welcomed 10,000 passengers in less than two months since opening, 25% over initial projections.

The initial activity has the Airport Authority already considering an expansion, while adding a familiar name as a dining partner.

“Believe it or not, we are already pursuing the idea of expanding our terminal facility, and this next phase could carry us forward for years to come,” said Jesse Fosnaugh, airport director.

Expansion

The Airport Authority recently entered into an agreement with Vasey Aviation Group to evaluate a design for terminal enhancements. If pursued, the improvements would include an expanded gate area, added curbside space, and enlarged baggage claim facilities.

Vasey Aviation played a key role in bringing the approximately $8 million, two-gate terminal project together ahead of Allegiant Air’s May 21 service launch date in Gulf Shores.

A final decision on whether to pursue any construction, including how an expansion would be funded, is expected later in the fall.

Allegiant Airlines offers direct connections in and around airports in Knoxville, Tenn.; Cincinnati; Houston; Kansas City; Fayetteville, Ark.; and Belleville, Ill., which is near St. Louis.

Starting in October, the Las Vegas-based airline will add two new seasonal services from Gulf Shores to Appleton, Wis., and Des Moines, Iowa. Those two new routes were announced in May.

“Staying ahead of the airlines is important,” Fosnaugh said. “They make schedule decisions six to nine months in advance, and being in front of that planning curve is essential. Residents and visitors expect convenient travel and low fares, and we intend to make that integral to any terminal concepts.”

LuLu’s

In addition, the Airport Authority has approved LuLu’s as the first official food and beverage provider within the airport terminal.

Known for its vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere and coastal cuisine, LuLu’s “will provide a warm Gulf Shores sendoff to every traveler,” according to the airport’s announcement. The restaurant and entertainment venue, located on the Intracoastal Waterway not far from the airport, will operate a kiosk beyond the security screening entrance.

LuLu’s is a coastal institution with sister restaurants in Destin, Fla., and North Myrtle Beach, S.C. It’s owned by Lucy Buffett, sister of the late legendary performer Jimmy Buffett.

“The airport is a great addition to our area, and we are delighted to be included in the project,” Lucy Buffett said in a statement. “We want everyone who has enjoyed our great destination to keep the vacation going a bit longer while at the airport and provide them a ‘last chance’ of LuLu’s unique hospitality and Gumbo Love.”

The kiosk will offer a variety of products including food, beverages, snacks and souvenirs.

LuLu’s is targeting a soft opening in late July.

A year ago, Gulf Shores International Airport’s commercial aviation terminal had yet to begin construction. Last year, the Gulf Shores City Council approved financing for the terminal’s construction through a $3 million loan. The majority of the project’s costs were covered by a $5 million appropriation from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), a signature policy proposal of the Biden Administration.

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