Vintners, Visitors and a VP: High Season at Naples Airport

by Chris Rozansky, Executive Director, Naples Airport Authority

High season in Naples was one for the record books.

Full-time and seasonal residents enjoyed beautiful weather and blue skies. Restaurants, retail stores and attractions were, as expected, busy throughout the winter and early spring. Meanwhile, Naples remains among the nation’s strongest housing markets for affluent buyers, as noted by a Naples Area Board of Realtors’ report showing the median sales price was $647,500 in February. NABOR also noted significantly more closed sales and pending sales compared to the prior year.

Forbes consistently rates Naples high on its lists, including one pinpointing locations with the highest concentration of millionaires per capita in America. A recently published Forbes article notes that Naples “has become America’s newest trophy-home destination.” U.S. News & World Report also offers top scores to Naples, ranking it among its Best Places to Retire in America and Best Places to Live in Florida lists.

As the 2025-26 season closes, let’s spend a moment recapping highlights at Naples Airport.

Oct. 3
Following the FAA’s approval of new flight paths designed to enhance safety, increase efficiency and reduce noise, planes began descending at a steeper slope (3.5 degrees vs. 3.0 degrees) to reduce noise over neighborhoods near runways. Aircraft in holding patterns also began flying at higher altitudes (3,000 feet vs. 2,100 feet) and over less populated areas, including the Gulf and the Everglades.

Oct. 28
First responders from 19 public service agencies and organizations across Collier County participated in Operation Final Approach, a full-scale emergency training exercise designed to test and improve the Naples Airport Emergency Plan. The FAA-required exercise was completed without any hiccups, providing reassurance that the region’s first responders are prepared for any type of emergency.

Nov. 1
More than 500 runners, walkers and aviation enthusiasts packed Runway 32 for the third-annual Naples Airport Runway 5K and first-ever 10K race.

Participants lined up at sunrise between Naples Airport’s fuel farm and aircraft hangers before zigzagging around private jets, small planes and emergency vehicles positioned around the perimeter road, tarmac, taxiway and Runway 32. The event raised money to provide scholarships for local runners and future aviators.

Jan. 15
Naples City Council appointed two new members to the Naples Airport Authority’s Board of Commissioners Michelle Arnold and Ralph Alberto – and the board selected Terrence Cavanaugh as chair and John Crees as vice chair for 2026. They join Robert Patten Burns in providing policy direction, strategic oversight and long-term guidance for Naples Airport, ensuring it continues to serve the region effectively.

Jan. 28
Vice President JD Vance flew into Naples Airport on Air Force Two, drawing crowds of supporters to the Observation Deck and roadways near the North Road Terminal. Local media camped out all day to document the VP’s visit to Naples, where he attended a private fundraising event. Air Force Two was on the ground for about two hours.

Jan. 29
Three jets carrying vintners from California and Italy arrived in succession at Naples Airport to a water cannon salute and applause. Distinguished guests received the red-carpet treatment and enjoyed a brief reception and champagne toast before heading to the Naples Winter Wine Festival, which raised more than $30 million to support youth charities in Collier County. Many of the 660 wine lovers, children’s advocates, sociable and philanthropists arrived in town via Naples Airport.

March 9
After a temporary closure for repairs, Naples Airport reopened its popular Observation Deck following a series of improvements to enhance the visitor experience. The seasonal refresh included pressure washing, minor structural repairs and refreshed stain on deck surfaces.

Additionally, crews repainted the interior and exterior of restrooms along with minor landscaping improvements. Naples Airport is more than just a place for planes to land – it’s a vital community asset that serves as a launching point for critical public agencies, including law enforcement, fire protection and emergency medical services. It’s a philanthropic venue for events connected with Cars on Fifth, Naples Winter Wine Festival, SWFL Wine & Food Fest, Naples Night Out with Heroes and more.

With summer upon us, it’s time to take a deep breath, enjoy the slower pace and begin planning for the 2026-27 season – it will be here before we know it!

Chris Rozansky. Ex. Dir. Naples Airport Authority

For more information about Naples Airport, please visit FlyNaples.com.