The Gulf Shores International Airport has taken a giant leap forward in services and travel options in the last few years. The addition of a air traffic control tower and a national airline providing regular service to the area are the most recent upgrades. Now the Airport Authority has provided a press release about possible future expansion and the addition of a local restaurant inside the airline terminal.

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Gulf Shores International Airport Press Release:

Following the successful launch of Allegiant  airline service on May 21, Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF/JKA) is already looking to the  future. The Airport Authority has begun exploring the potential expansion of the terminal to  ensure continued success and to support growing passenger demand. The airport is proactively studying design options with the understanding that airlines make future 

scheduling decisions months in advance. 

As part of this planning effort, the Authority has entered a contract with Vasey Aviation Group  to evaluate a design for terminal enhancements. If pursued, the improvements would include  expanding the gate area, increasing curbside space, and enlarging baggage claim facilities. A final decision on whether to move forward with any construction, including how any expansion  would be funded, is expected later this Fall. 

“Believe it or not, we are already pursuing the idea of expanding our terminal facility, and this  next phase could carry us forward for years to come,” said Jesse Fosnaugh, Airport Director.  “Staying ahead the airlines is important. They make schedule decisions six to nine months in  advance, and being in front of that planning curve is essential. Residents and visitors expect  convenient travel and low fares, and we intend to make that integral to any terminal concepts.” 

Vasey Aviation played a key role in bringing the terminal project together ahead of Allegiant’s  service launch, meeting a tight development timeline to have facilities ready by May 21.

In addition, the Airport Authority has approved LuLu’s as the first official food and beverage  provider for the airport terminal. Known for its vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere and coastal  cuisine, LuLu’s will provide a warm Gulf Shores sendoff to every traveler through expanded  dining services and retail offerings beyond security screening.

“The airport is a great addition to our area, and we are delighted to be included in the project,”  said Lucy Buffett, owner of LuLu’s. “We want everyone who has enjoyed our great destination  to keep the vacation going a bit longer while at the airport and provide them a ‘last chance’ of  LuLu’s unique hospitality and Gumbo Love.” 

The LuLu’s kiosk in the terminal will offer a variety of products including food, beverages, snacks, and souvenirs, enhancing the passenger experience in the terminal while you wait to  board your plane. 

LuLu’s is targeting a soft opening in late July, just in time to serve passengers during the busy  summer travel season. 

About Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF/JKA) 

Gulf Shores International Airport sits on 838 acres just three miles from Alabama’s soft, white  sugar-sand beaches, serving as the premiere gateway to the communities of Gulf Shores and  Orange Beach. On May 21, 2025, the airport made history with its first scheduled airline flight on Allegiant. This service includes nonstop routes to eight markets: Kansas City (MCI),  Belleville (BLV), Northwest Arkansas (XNA), Houston (HOU), Knoxville (TYS), Cincinnati (CVG),  Appleton (ATW), and Des Moines (DSM). 

In addition to its growing commercial schedule, Gulf Shores International supports a full spectrum of aviation needs, including general aviation, military operations, flight instruction,  medical transport, law enforcement missions, and aircraft services. Through safe, efficient,  and customer-focused operations, the airport drives economic growth, tourism, and connectivity to Coastal Alabama. 

About LuLu’s 

LuLu’s, founded by Lucy Buffett, is a family-friendly coastal cuisine and entertainment destination on the Intracoastal Waterway in Gulf Shores, AL. Known for fresh seafood and live  music, LuLu’s features a sandy beach, the three-story Mountain of Youth ropes course, Bama  Freeze, Fountain of Youth splash pad, fun arcade, multiple bars, and a retail shop offering its  famous LuLu’s Tees. LuLu’s has three restaurant locations including Gulf Shores, AL; Destin,  FL; and Myrtle Beach, SC.