Naples Airport to close Observation Deck temporarily on March 2

Naples Airport will temporarily close its Observation Deck for a series of improvement projects designed to improve the visitor experience for aviation enthusiasts.

Starting March 2, the Observation Deck will be closed for about three weeks as crews restore and repaint the viewing platform, as well as perform necessary maintenance to the site’s public restroom. The Observation Deck was built in 2012 and is a wheelchair-accessible, raised platform with seating that allows spectators to watch airplanes arrive and depart. It is located near the approach of Runway 5 off North Road. The area, which also features a children’s playground and fitness equipment, includes speakers that broadcast live chatter from the air traffic control tower at Naples Airport.

“The Observation Deck has become a popular gathering spot for aviation enthusiasts of all ages, including children who might someday draw on this experience to pursue a career in aviation,” said Chris Rozansky, executive director of the Naples Airport Authority. “Although our long-range plans include additional enhancements to the site, these temporary improvements will ensure the community still has access to the Observation Deck until that project comes to fruition.”

Naples Airport is conceptualizing designs for a reimaged visitor experience at the Observation Deck that includes permanent, ADA-compliant covered seating along with a playground, fitness area, restrooms and static model aircraft. Designs will be finalized in late 2026, with permitting and construction anticipated in 2027.

No local taxpayer dollars will be used to fund the Observation Deck improvements. Naples Airport is funded entirely through fuel sales, hangar rentals and other related services.

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, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and fire/ambulance services. 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.