An American Eagle regional jet sits at a gate. American Airlines has proposed launching service between Naples Airport and Charlotte, North Carolina, pending approval from the Naples Airport Authority.
As Naples Airport weighs a proposal from American Airlines to restore commercial passenger service for the first time since 2017, Gulfshore Business readers are signaling strong support for bringing scheduled flights back to the city.
In a survey conducted June 5-11 that drew 658 responses, 75.8% of respondents said they support American Airlines launching service between Naples and Charlotte, North Carolina. Another 21.1% opposed the proposal, while 3% said they were unsure.
The results come as the Naples Airport Authority continues negotiations with American Airlines, which hopes to begin operating two to three daily flights in December using 65-seat regional jets. Federal Aviation Administration regulations require airports to negotiate in good faith with carriers that can be accommodated, and airport officials have said the proposed aircraft meet Naples Airport's existing weight and operational requirements.
A roadside sign marks the entrance to Naples Airport, which is operated by the Naples Airport Authority and receives no local taxpayer funding.
Convenience emerged as the primary argument in favor of commercial service. More than half of respondents, 57.1%, said greater convenience for residents and visitors would be the biggest impact of the proposal. Supporters have argued that direct access to Naples would reduce travel time for residents and seasonal visitors while strengthening business and tourism connections to Southwest Florida.
At the same time, concerns raised during recent airport meetings were reflected in the survey. About 20.8% of respondents identified increased noise and traffic as the proposal's most significant drawback, while 11.6% cited economic growth and business development as the most important benefit.
The survey also suggests there would be demand for the service. Nearly three-quarters of respondents said they would be likely to use flights from Naples Airport rather than Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, including 53.3% who said they would be very likely to do so.
When asked about the airport's long-term future, respondents favored growth. Forty-one percent said Naples Airport should expand commercial service if demand exists, while 35% supported limited service from select airlines. About 22.5% said the airport should remain primarily a general aviation facility.
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