Results of an independent survey found an overwhelming percentage of Naples and Collier County residents – 80.3% – are in favor of restoring commercial airline service at Naples Airport.
Conducted May 27 to June 1 by American Pulse Research & Polling, the Commercial Airline Survey included 633 registered voters whose sentiments were collected via live telephone interviews and text surveys. The scientific poll, which included an oversampling of residents living within the City of Naples, had a +/- margin of error of 3.9% at a 95% confidence interval.
The Naples Airport Authority’s Board Members requested a community survey to help guide discussions with American Airlines, which submitted a letter of intent in May expressing a desire to offer three flights daily starting Dec. 2, including service to the airline’s hub in Charlotte, North Carolina. American Airlines and its partners offer flights to six continents and over 350 destinations.
FAA rules require public-use airports to negotiate in good faith with potential users.
American’s service would be offered by PSA Airlines, a subsidiary operated by American, using 65-seat Bombardier CRJ-700 regional jets that operate under Naples Airport’s maximum takeoff weight of 75,000 pounds. All flight operations would be scheduled in compliance with Naples Airport’s voluntary curfew of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily.
Naples Airport’s final American Airlines flight was in 200l, and its last commercial flight departed in 2017. Since then, the airport’s tenants have included private and corporate aviation, air charters, flight schools, aircraft maintenance and repair services, and car rental agencies. The airport also offers a home base for critical public services, including the City of Naples Fire-Rescue, Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Collier Mosquito Control District, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Collier County EMS MedFlight.
“Naples Airport has been an asset to this community since it was established in 1943 as a military airfield, but its uses have evolved over the years,” said Chris Rozansky, executive director of the Naples Airport Authority. “This survey shows that residents have a favorable view toward the return of commercial service, and it’s certainly valuable data to consider as we continue discussions with American Airlines.”
The survey broke down responses into two categories: all respondents from across Collier County and those living with the City of Naples. Key findings included the following:
- 80.3% of respondents (including 73.9% of City of Naples respondents) view the return of daily commercial airline service as favorable.
- 77.6% of respondents (including 79.0% of City of Naples respondents) would likely use Naples Airport if daily commercial airline service was available.
- 75.0% of respondents (including 70.7% of City of Naples respondents) would likely consider American Airlines flights out of Naples Airport as a travel option.
American Airlines has not yet announced an anticipated fare structure, but the survey also asked residents about their likelihood of paying higher fares for the convenience of flying out of Naples Airport. Among respondents, 51.0%, including 49.3% of City of Naples residents, say they would be willing to pay a higher fare.
Additionally, open-ended questions allowed respondents to provide comments about commercial airline service and American’s proposal. American Pulse and Naples Airport staff are still compiling and evaluating those written responses.
American Airlines has expressed a willingness to provide financial support for modifications to the North Road Terminal, which is currently being renovated, through an annual lease and rental arrangement. The airline has not requested any financial incentives.
In 2025, Naples Airport recorded 125,926 total flight operations. If American moves forward with its plan, the Dallas-based airline’s flights would represent less than 2% of total flight operations at Naples Airport.
Naples Airport intends to post comprehensive Commercial Airline Survey results online at FlyNaples.com.
About Naples Airport
The Naples Airport is a vital community asset that provides convenient access to the City of Naples and Collier County for residents and visitors alike. The airport is also home to critical public services, including the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Collier Mosquito Control District, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Fire Station 3 and Collier County EMS MedFlight. It also serves as a staging hub for recovery operations during emergencies. The airport’s tenants include private and corporate aviation, air charter, aircraft maintenance and repair services, car rental brands and flight schools. Naples Airport Authority (NAA), an independent government agency that operates Naples Airport, receives no local tax dollars; it is primarily funded through fuel sales, hangar rentals and other related services. The Florida Department of Transportation has estimated Naples Airport’s annual economic impact at $781 million. The NAA strives to balance the needs of the aviation community and residents’ quality of life through a variety of initiatives, including its Fly Safe Fly Quiet program. Visit FlyNaples.com for more information.
