NEW KEY WEST AIRPORT TERMINAL TO OPEN FEB. 25

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Construction of the long-awaited new terminal building at Key West International Airport is substantially complete. According to Florida Keys airports director Peter Horton, passengers are expected to begin using the new facility Feb. 25.

The new terminal building features second-level ticketing, baggage and security areas for departing passengers, a restaurant, concessions and restrooms. Elevated over parking, the building measures approximately 30,000 square feet.

Plans call for construction crews to begin renovating the existing 1957 airport building shortly after Feb. 25.

Ultimately, the 24,000-square-foot facility will feature a 200-seat departure lounge with restrooms and a 160-seat restaurant and tavern. The renovated terminal also is to include a passenger arrival and baggage claim area with rental car counters, restrooms and a baggage service office.

Renovation to the existing terminal is scheduled to be complete in early June. Meanwhile, passengers are to use the existing departure lounge until renovations are finished on the area originally devoted to airline ticket counters. At that time, that area will become the new departure lounge.

The airport remains fully operational throughout the construction project.

The facility offers parking for 300 vehicles at ground level beneath the new building —150 for rental cars and 150 for the public. In addition, 85 long-term parking spaces are available, and there are 90 spaces for airport employees.

About 450,000 passengers arrive and depart the Key West International Airport annually. Up to 60 commercial flights — including arrivals and departures — are scheduled daily, operated by five commercial carriers.