South Padre Island International Airport

Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport (IATA: BRO) is your gateway to the southernmost point of Texas. Located on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, it serves as a convenient starting point for trips to the famous South Padre Island resort and the Rio Grande Valley. The airport welcomes guests with a modern terminal, opened in 2021, offering a comfortable and swift start to your Texan adventure. A unique detail that immediately catches the eye is the exhibited fragment of the Starship spacecraft, highlighting the proximity to the SpaceX launch site.

Despite its compact size, BRO airport offers travellers everything necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight. The new terminal features free Wi-Fi, dedicated areas for work (The Hub) and relaxation, as well as a play area for young passengers (The BRO Playport) and a nursing room. The airport's strategic location ensures quick access to major highways, making it an ideal starting point for exploring South Texas and trips to the coast. Thanks to its compactness, navigation through the airport is intuitive, and all procedures are completed quickly, allowing you to head towards your holiday or business meetings without unnecessary delays.

Below you will find contact details for Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport (BRO), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential queries.

• Official Website: www.flybrownsville.com
• Information Service Phone: +1 (956) 542-4373
• Airport Address: 700 Amelia Earhart Dr, Brownsville, TX 78521, USA
• Email: To contact the airport administration, it is recommended to use the contact form on the official website, as a direct email for general inquiries is not published.
• Social Media: You can follow airport news and updates on its official Facebook page.
• Lost and Found: If your belongings were lost within the terminal building, please contact the airport administration via the main number. For luggage lost on board the aircraft, you must contact your airline's representative directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For all general questions and assistance, you can contact the airport information service at the phone number listed above.

There are several ways to get to South Padre Island International Airport (BRO), located near the city centre of Brownsville. The choice depends on your budget, time, and plans for further travel through South Texas. A trip from the city centre usually takes between 15 to 40 minutes.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly option. The Brownsville Metro (B-Metro) city bus system operates routes that pass through the airport. This is a convenient method if you are travelling light and are not in a rush. The fare costs just a few dollars. Be sure to check the current schedule on the official B-Metro website, as bus frequency may vary. There are no trains or metro services in Brownsville.

Taxis and Ridesharing are a faster and more comfortable way to reach the terminal. Services from companies like Uber and Lyft are widely available in the city, and official taxi stands are located outside the arrival area. A trip from the centre of Brownsville will take about 15-20 minutes, and the cost will be approximately 15-25 dollars, depending on demand and time of day. Private transfer services (shuttles) are also popular and can be booked in advance, especially if you are heading directly to the resorts of South Padre Island.

Car Rental is the ideal choice for those who value independence and plan to explore the region. Counters for major rental companies are located within the airport building. Having your own car will give you the freedom to move not only around Brownsville but also allow you to easily reach the beaches of South Padre Island or visit neighbouring cities. This option is also convenient if you are considering flights through other regional airports, such as Valley International Airport in Harlingen.

If you are arriving at the airport in your own car, parking is at your service. The area features both short-term and long-term parking zones. Short-term parking is convenient for quick drop-offs or picking up passengers, while long-term offers more favourable rates for those leaving their car for several days. Parking costs are quite reasonable by USA standards.

Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) represents a modern and compact aviation hub that was completely rebuilt and opened in 2021. Today, all passenger flights are served in one new terminal, making navigation exceptionally simple and convenient for travellers. The old terminal building is no longer used for passenger service.

The airport layout is very logical. Since there is only one terminal, you do not have to worry about transfers between buildings or complex multi-level structures. All key areas — check-in counters, security screening, boarding gates, and baggage claim — are located in one building and within walking distance of each other. Clear signage and the intuitive location of services allow even first-time visitors to orient themselves easily.

The new terminal is designed with a focus on passenger comfort. It features spacious and bright waiting halls, modern architecture, and improved amenities. Here you will find several cafes and shops, and one of the unique features is an outdoor courtyard with a garden, where you can relax in the fresh air before your flight. Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated, ensuring a smooth flow of passengers.

One of the main advantages of BRO airport is the speed of completing all procedures. Due to its small size and efficient organisation, queues for check-in and security screening are usually minimal. As a rule, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 90 minutes before the departure of a domestic flight — this time is more than enough to check in luggage, pass through control, and reach your boarding gate without rushing.

The history of Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) is closely linked to the dawn of international aviation. The airport was officially opened in 1929 and almost immediately made history. It was from here that the legendary airline Pan American Airways (Pan Am) made its first international mail flight to Mexico, marking the beginning of the era of air connections between the USA and Latin America. Interestingly, Charles Lindbergh himself participated in planning this historic route and personally landed in Brownsville.

During World War II, the airport's civil mission was temporarily interrupted. It was transferred to the US Army Air Forces and became known as Brownsville Army Airfield. Pilot and crew training took place on its grounds. After the war ended, the airport returned to civil status and began to develop actively: its runways were lengthened to accommodate jet aircraft, and the flight geography expanded thanks to airlines such as Braniff International and Eastern Air Lines.

To meet modern requirements and highlight its role as a gateway to a popular resort, the airport was renamed Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport. The most significant event in its recent history was a large-scale modernisation: in early 2021, a completely new, spacious, and modern passenger terminal was opened. This project replaced the old 1970s building and took passenger comfort and service to a qualitatively new level, offering improved infrastructure and more amenities.

Today, BRO airport is not just a transport hub, but a living monument to aviation history. It has journeyed from a pioneering mail station to a modern hub that continues to play a key role in the economic and tourism life of the Rio Grande Valley. For travellers, it remains a convenient starting point for exploring South Texas and relaxing on the picturesque beaches of South Padre Island, while preserving the legacy of aviation pioneers.

South Padre Island International Airport (BRO) offers all necessary amenities to make your wait for a flight comfortable. The terminal is equipped to meet the basic needs of travellers, regardless of the purpose of their trip.

Within the airport, you will find establishments where you can have a snack or drink coffee before departure. Although the selection may not be as extensive as in major hubs, there are cafes and counters offering snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. There are also small shops where you can purchase newspapers, books, souvenirs, and travel essentials.

Free Wi-Fi is available to all passengers throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for a flight. Charging stations for electronic devices are installed in many seating areas and at boarding gates. There are generally no specialised VIP lounges or business lounges at the airport, but the general waiting areas are sufficiently comfortable.

ATMs are installed in the terminal for cash withdrawals. However, currency exchange points are absent here, so it is recommended to exchange money in advance, before arriving at the airport. There are no full-service business centres or conference rooms at the airport.

The airport is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility in accordance with ADA standards. Accessible restrooms, ramps, and elevators are provided. Wheelchair assistance can be requested in advance through your airline. For passengers with children, family restrooms and changing tables are available.

In case first aid is needed, please approach any airport staff member. There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, however, many accommodation options with free shuttle services are located a few minutes' drive away in the city of Brownsville.

At South Padre Island International Airport (BRO), the main dining spot for passengers is the Runway Cafe. It is located in the main part of the terminal, after passing security (airside), allowing you to comfortably have lunch or a snack immediately before departure.

The Runway Cafe menu offers a combination of classic American and vibrant Tex-Mex cuisine. Here you can order familiar dishes like burgers, sandwiches, and salads, or try something with local flavour, such as tacos or nachos. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the tastes of Texas before flying out. The establishment also features a service counter where a selection of various beverages is available.

Passengers with special dietary needs should bear in mind that the selection may be limited. While vegetarian options are likely to be found, it is best to check the availability of gluten-free or other specific dietary meals with the staff. Prices at the cafe are at an average level for USA airports. The operating hours of Runway Cafe are usually synchronised with the flight schedule so that passengers always have the opportunity to refresh themselves.

To ensure your journey through South Padre Island International Airport goes smoothly, make use of these tips. The airport serves the city of Brownsville and is a popular arrival point for tourists heading to the resorts of South Texas in the USA.

Arrival Time: For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 3 hours. This time will be sufficient to calmly complete check-in, drop off luggage, and pass through security control.

Check-in and Security: To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website. At the airport, you will need to undergo screening by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Prepare your passport and boarding pass in advance, and be ready to remove laptops and other large electronic devices from your hand luggage.

Seat Selection: Want to admire views of the Gulf of Mexico coast from above? Choose a window seat. If the ability to stand up freely and stretch your legs is more important to you, an aisle seat would be more suitable.

Hand Luggage: Remember the "3-1-1" rule for carrying liquids: containers up to 100 ml (3.4 oz) must be packed in a single transparent resealable bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited in the cabin.

Passengers with Connections: South Padre Island Airport is relatively small, which simplifies navigation. Nevertheless, immediately after arrival, check the information boards for the gate number of your next flight, as it may change.

Customs Control: If you are arriving on an international flight, you will need to pass through passport and customs control. Have your passport and completed customs declaration (if required) ready and be prepared to answer standard questions about the purpose of your visit and duration of stay.

Saving Time and Money: To stay hydrated without overpaying, bring an empty reusable bottle with you and fill it at water fountains after passing security. Also, consider booking a taxi or shuttle in advance via online services — this may be more cost-effective than hiring a car on the spot.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed or cancelled, immediately contact your airline representative for information on further actions. Clarify if you are entitled to meals, beverages, or hotel accommodation. Stay calm and use the free Wi-Fi at the airport to inform your loved ones about the change in plans.