MOBILE, Ala. – The much-anticipated Mobile International Airport will now open later than originally planned, with a new completion date set for September 2026, according to the Mobile Airport Authority. This marks a delay from earlier projections of a 2025 opening, but officials emphasize that the project remains on budget at $380 million, a rare feat in today’s infrastructure landscape.
“We had to choose whether being on budget or being on time was more important. And the Mayor and I agreed that completing this on budget was the biggest priority,” said Authority Chairman Luckett Robinson.
Construction began in 2024 and continues at the Brookley Aeroplex, just two miles from downtown Mobile, with significant progress visible at the end of last year including a roofed terminal building and concrete supports rising for the five-story parking garage.
New Timeline & Travel Readiness
Originally targeted for November 2025, the date was first pushed to March 2026 due to concerns about airline transition during the holiday season — a period airlines avoid due to operational disruptions. Now, the Airport Authority is confident the terminal will be ready by September 2026, with flights beginning in the fall.
What’s Being Built
The over $380 million investment includes:
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A brand-new terminal with 5 gates (4 domestic, 1 international swing gate)
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Potential for expansion to 12 gates as traffic grows
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A 1,250-space parking garage
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Continued operation of the existing low-cost terminal with 2 gates
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Integration with downtown infrastructure — highways, rail, port, and waterways
“This project is transformational not only for Mobile but for Baldwin County as well,” noted former board chairman Chris Curry.
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Airline Recruitment Underway
With the structure nearing completion, the focus is shifting to airline partnerships. The authority has begun outreach to major carriers in hopes of securing expanded service options.
What’s Happening Now
Although much of the work remains out of public view, the build is progressing steadily.
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The terminal building is under roof
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First round of structural inspections is complete
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Concrete supports for the parking garage are under construction
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More inspections and interior work to follow into 2025
Andy Wilson, the new executive director, confirmed in a December 2024 interview that the project was “progressing as anticipated.”
FACTSHEET: Mobile International Airport Project
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project Cost | $380+ million |
| Start of Construction | 2024 |
| New Completion Date | September 2026 |
| Initial Gates | 5 (4 domestic, 1 international swing gate) |
| Expansion Potential | Up to 12 gates |
| Parking Garage Capacity | 1,250 spaces |
| Location | Brookley Aeroplex, 2 miles from downtown Mobile |
| Current Status | Terminal under roof, parking structure rising |
| Airline Recruitment | Underway |
| Lead Authority Figures | Luckett Robinson, Andy Wilson |
Conclusion:
Despite timeline shifts, the Mobile International Airport remains a cornerstone infrastructure project for Alabama’s Gulf Coast. With strategic access, growing economic relevance, and an eye on attracting top-tier airlines, the new airport is set to redefine regional air travel once its doors open in fall 2026.
