- October 19, 2026
-
-
Loading
Loading
For the second straight year, USA Today readers ranked Sarasota Bradenton International Airport as the country's best resort airport.
SRQ once again outperformed terminals in other vacation-rich destinations, including Monterey, California; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; and Palm Springs, California.
“For many visitors, SRQ is their first impression of our region, and we take that responsibility seriously,” SRQ President and CEO Paul Hoback says. “We want them to step off the plane and immediately feel they’ve arrived in paradise and their vacation has started.”
As SRQ experienced exponential growth in the post-COVID era, hundreds of millions of dollars were invested to upgrade the travel experience, including the new Concourse A, new and enhanced dining and bar options in Concourse B and expanded parking.
USA Today wrote, “Central Florida's West Coast has a much-loved region on the waters of the Gulf, where top-notch resorts await travelers. That's why the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport is such a popular choice for those flying to this high-end destination, a manageable small airport with only 18 gates. With restaurants, bars, markets and gift shops adding choices to while away the time before a flight and nine car rental companies on hand for arrival transportation needs, SRQ has everything travelers need for an easy transition from work to play mode.”
That report focused on the function of the airport, but Hoback says it’s the people that separate SRQ from the rest, citing volunteer ambassadors, helpful staff and even a visit from an SRQ Sunshine Squad therapy dog to ease anxiety.
“Sometimes it’s helping someone find their gate or taking an extra minute with a family that needs a hand,” he says. “People love that SRQ is easy and welcoming, and as we grow, we’re committed to protecting that. You can build a beautiful terminal, but how people feel when they’re here comes down to how you take care of them.”
Visit Sarasota County President and CEO Erin Duggan says having a quality, convenient airport is crucial to successful tourism.
“For many visitors, it serves as both their first impression and their last experience of our destination,” Duggan says. “We are incredibly fortunate to have an airport that reflects the welcoming community we want visitors to experience.”
The top 10 resort airports, ranked in order, are:
This article originally appeared on sister site YourObserver.com.
