International Flights could soon be landing at Kissimmee Gateway Airport as airport eyes major expansion
- Alastair Mac
- 46 minutes ago
- 4 min read
In huge news for Central Florida's aviation future, Kissimmee Gateway Airport is hoping that international flights could soon be landing and departing from the regional airport.
The Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM) has received preliminary approval from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations for a User Fee Facility (UFF) designation, a milestone the City and airport have worked toward for years and one that carries significant value for the entire region. The authorization opens the door to on-site international arrivals and departures at Kissimmee Gateway Airport, marking a transformative step in the airport’s growth and Central Florida’s aviation future.
Strategically located just minutes from Orlando’s world-famous attractions, Kissimmee Gateway Airport has been investing in expanded airfield infrastructure and systems to accommodate growing aviation demand and attract a broader range of operators. The UFF designation advances that vision by enabling the airport to support new international routes, ease pressure on nearby Orlando International Airport (MCO), and serve as a complementary facility for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), accommodating overflow international passengers when MCO reaches capacity.
What the Designation Means
The preliminary UFF approval is contingent upon the completion of a CBP-compliant facility and the execution of a signed Memorandum of Understanding with CBP. Under the terms of the designation, Kissimmee Gateway Airport will secure the space, equipment, and furnishings required for CBP operations at no cost to the U.S. Government. The designated CBP facility will be constructed and maintained in full compliance with CBP specifications, and robust access controls, surveillance systems, and perimeter protections will be implemented to meet all federal security requirements.
Key terms of the designation include:
Construction of the CBP-compliant facility must commence within three years from the date of the preliminary approval letter.
The airport will work closely with local CBP personnel throughout the full design, planning, and construction process to ensure the facility meets current CBP airport technical standards.
CBP and the Orlando Area Port have already commenced coordination with key CBP component offices and stakeholders in advance of the design and construction phases.
The airport will collaborate with local partners for design, permitting, and construction, with construction anticipated to begin in 2027 and the facility expected to be operational within approximately two years. The designation was granted based on the current projected volume and value of business Kissimmee Gateway Airport brings to CBP, as well as the support of Florida’s Governor for this initiative.
Economic Impact and Regional Vision
The UFF designation is expected to generate measurable economic returns for Kissimmee, Osceola County, and the broader Central Florida region. With international passenger processing capabilities on-site, the airport is positioned to attract air service and private operators serving growing demand from Latin America, as Florida continues to solidify its standing as a global tourism and travel hub.
The airport’s vision is backed by strong regional support from local leaders, tourism officials, and economic development organizations who recognize its potential to enhance Florida’s transportation network and expand the region’s international reach. By positioning Kissimmee Gateway Airport to better accommodate future growth, the designation is also expected to stimulate related private investment in and around the airport, creating jobs, increasing tourism, and broadening the community’s economic base for years to come.
Looking ahead, Kissimmee Gateway Airport is working toward the possibility of becoming a designated Foreign Trade Zone, strengthening its role as a hub for business and international trade.
City Manager Mike Steigerwald reflected on the significance of the achievement: “We have worked for a long time to make this happen, and today’s announcement reflects the persistence and dedication of everyone involved. This designation has real value for our residents, our businesses, and our regional partners. We now have the authorization to move forward, and we will do so strategically, working alongside local partners to plan, design, and build the facility that will unlock this airport’s full potential. The opportunities ahead of us are significant, and we are ready.”
City Director of Aviation Shaun Germolus emphasized the economic opportunity the designation represents: “We know we have missed economic opportunities, and we understand what the impact of this designation can truly be. The growth in international tourism traffic from markets like Brazil and Argentina is real, and Kissimmee Gateway Airport is positioned to capture it. With on-site CBP services, we will be able to attract businesses that rely on international travel, support our partners at GOAA by accommodating overflow passengers, and serve as a catalyst for economic development and tourism growth across the region. We are eager to get to work.”
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