26/06/2026
STIMPSON BRIEFS ON NEW AIRPORT
Former Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said Thursday that Mobile’s long-planned airport move is on track for 2027, when commercial passenger service is expected to shift from Mobile Regional Airport in west Mobile to Mobile International Airport at Brookley.
Stimpson, chairman of the Mobile Airport Authority, gave the update during a Downtown Mobile Alliance Breakfast Briefing at 350 Dauphin Event Center. The project is one of the largest infrastructure investments underway in the Mobile area, with an estimated cost of $381 million when complete.
Stimpson said the work at Brookley is much more than a terminal project. It includes the passenger building, parking, rental car facilities, road access, traffic improvements and other pieces needed to move airline service from one side of Mobile to the other.
The new airport is expected to open with five gates and room to expand as demand grows. Airport officials have said Delta, United and American intend to move service to Brookley once commercial operations begin.
For Mobile, the move is about convenience and competition. Brookley is closer to downtown, Interstate 10, the Port of Mobile, Baldwin County and several major employment centers. Airport officials have said the move also could strengthen business recruitment and economic development by giving the region a more convenient airport closer to downtown, the port, Interstate 10 and major employment centers.
Stimpson said passenger numbers are directly tied to the flights Mobile can attract. More local passengers using the Mobile airport would give airlines more reason to add flights, add direct routes and offer more competitive fares.
The move also will require careful coordination with the airlines, rental car companies and other airport operations. Stimpson acknowledged the project has taken longer than originally hoped, but said the airport must be fully ready before passengers begin using it.
“There is no such thing as a soft opening at an airport,” Stimpson said, adding the target date at this time is May 1, 2027.
Once open, Mobile International Airport is expected to become the region’s main commercial airport, while Mobile Regional Airport is expected to remain in use for other aviation activity.
