Mark H. Bickel | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

When it comes to the outside of Southwest Florida International’s new Concourse E, it’s obvious to a passerby now how it is significantly changing the look of the growing Fort Myers airport.

A summer’s worth of construction has altered the exterior at RSW and for returning snowbirds and vacationers, it will be something to behold as their planes taxi to the existing gates at concourses B, C and D.

When Concourse E eventually opens, most likely late next year, it will add 14 more gates at RSW with room to expand at some point, meeting the anticipated increase in passengers at RSW.

But what about the inside of Concourse E? What is that going to look like? The airport is promising a media tour sometime in October for an update on all of the upgrades being made. In the meantime, RSW has architectural renderings of Concourse E for those who can’t wait until its serving passengers.

Read more and view renderings on naplesnews.com.

Mark H. Bickel | Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News

A lot is happening at RSW as the Fort Myers airport, also known as Southwest Florida International Airport, undergoes a historic terminal expansion project.

If you blink, you might miss something, including the stunning progress of what will be the Concourse E, expected to open in 2027.

The short version of what’s happening at RSW is the creation of a consolidated security checkpoint, a Delta-branded club and more concessions − eating, drinking and shopping.

We checked in with the airport earlier this month to get an updated list on the concessions, from what’s has opened since Phase 1 of the two phase project started, what’s existing concessions have received a “refresh” and what’s coming.

RSW expansion project: Concourse B concessions
These are the new new and ‘refreshed’ concessions that have opened at RSW since Phase 1 of the terminal expansion project started:
(Note: Concession descriptions are from the Southwest Florida International Airport website.)

NEW

• Day at the Beach (retail): Immerse yourself in coastal charm with beach-themed gifts, apparel and souvenirs. It’s the perfect stop for bringing home a piece of paradise!
• Shula Burger: A fast-casual restaurant known for gourmet burgers made from a premium blend of Black Angus beef. The menu includes signature burgers, chicken sandwiches and tenders, salads, seasoned fries, onion rings and milkshakes. Shula Burger also serves breakfast sandwiches at RSW.
• Relay (retail): This convenient newsstand is a one-stop-shop for travel necessities. From magazines and literature to electronics and accessories, grab-and-go snacks and wellness items, RELAY is the ultimate traveler’s companion.
• Hudson: You can grab travel convenience items, snacks, Florida souvenirs, magazines, books, electronics and Coke products!

There’s more to know, read on naplesnews.com.