Airport photo

Economic Impact Study

Southwest Florida International Airport is an important contributor to the region's social and economic well-being.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) conducted a Statewide Aviation Economic Impact Study that showed Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Page Field (FMY) in Fort Myers contribute more than $8.75 billion to the region’s economy on an annual basis. The Florida Aviation Economic Impact Study was completed by FDOT in December 2022 and used calendar year 2021 data. 

As part of an update to the Florida Aviation System Plan, FDOT focused on annual economic impact associated with 20 commercial airports, 125 public-use general aviation airports, as well as 11 military aviation facilities. The study calculates each airport's annual monetary contribution to their local, regional and statewide economies. In total, Florida's aviation system generated more than 2 million jobs and contributed $336 billion in annual economic activity to the state's economy, accounting for 13.5 percent of Florida's gross domestic product. 

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) contributed more than $8.3 billion to the local economy from airport and related-airport activities and accounted for 60,485 jobs.

The study also examined the economic impacts of Page Field (FMY), the general aviation and reliever airport operated by the Lee County Port Authority. The FDOT study showed Page Field’s contribution was $465 million annually and that the airport is responsible for more than 3,443 jobs.