For the second consecutive year, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport has been named the Best Resort Airport in the United States. The honor reflects what Suncoast residents have known for years: SRQ delivers the convenience of a small regional airport while offering the reach of a much larger one. With more than 60 nonstop destinations and nine airlines serving the terminal, from American and Delta to Southwest, JetBlue and Allegiant, there’s a direct flight for nearly every trip.
Location helps. SRQ sits about four miles north of downtown Sarasota, and travelers can walk from parking to security to their gate in minutes rather than navigating shuttle buses and sprawling concourses. Recent investments, including a Concourse A expansion that added five gates along with expanded seating, amenities and food options, have added capacity without sacrificing the easygoing experience that distinguishes SRQ from larger Florida airports. More upgrades to baggage handling, parking and dining are planned.
The award has real weight locally. About half of surveyed air travelers in Sarasota County’s 2025 tourism research reported using SRQ, and the airport continues to grow passenger numbers while remaining a welcoming first impression of Florida’s Gulf Coast. So if you’ve been loyal to the drive to Tampa, this might be the season to give the hometown airport a try.
Are you Team SRQ, or do you still make the drive to Tampa? Let us know in the comments.
