TSA Introduces Explosives Detection K9 Program

Who Let the Dogs Out? TSA Did.

A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) K9 handler and his explosives detection canine demonstrated their teamwork keeping the public safe at the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) on August 15.

During this media event TSA demonstrated how the nose knows as this newly deployed K9 team screens travelers. The press briefing highlighted how the recently deployed TSA explosives detection teams serve as a critical layer of security at your local airport.

Canine teams are one of the most efficient means of detecting explosive substances. The teams are highly mobile and can be rapidly deployed in response to threats anywhere in the airport to provide reliable explosives detection capabilities.

The canine program exemplifies TSA’s commitment to focusing resources on the greatest threat to transportation systems and exists to deter and detect the introduction of explosive devices into any of the Nation’s transportation systems.

TSA-certified canine teams are single purpose trained only to detect explosive materials. The teams play a vital role in the overall security posture of the transportation modes to which they are deployed.

GPT Breaks Ground on New Fleet Maintenance Facility

The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport leadership, team and partners broke ground on a new Fleet Maintenance Facility. The new facility will allow the airport maintenance department to consolidate to one central location closer to the terminal building in order to better serve airport partners and the flying public. It replaces an aging facility that can no longer accommodate the growing needs of the airport.

“The airport works diligently to undertake a variety of projects, such as our new Fleet Maintenance Facility, providing for a convenient flying experience while improving the overall infrastructure at GPT for safety and longevity,” said Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport Executive Director Clay Williams.

“We are fortunate to have a tremendous partner in the State of Mississippi and Governor Tate Reeves who make the resources available to implement these efforts,” Williams continued.

This is a $3.24 million dollar project funded by the RESTORE Act and is expected to be complete by the summer of 2025.

“The new Fleet Maintenance Facility at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is a vital project for our community. This $3.24 million investment, funded by the RESTORE Act, will streamline airport maintenance operations and create over 80 local jobs,” said Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes.

“We look forward to its completion in summer 2025 and the positive impact it will have on our airport and region,” continued Mayor Hewes.

“This project resonates with how important the airport is to the coast. The airport is a main thoroughfare bringing tourists and business professionals to Biloxi and the Mississippi Coast,” said Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich.

“Bringing these visitors to the coast indirectly benefits Biloxi by allowing visitors to fill hotel rooms and enjoy the amenities in the city. So improving the ability to service the airport is becoming more and more important with the number of travelers to the coast,” Mayor Gilich continued.

The Fleet Maintenance Facility project was designed by the team at Eley Guild Hardy Architects with J.W. Puckett & Co., Inc. handling the construction. The employment impact will be approximately 80 jobs ranging from engineering, construction, architectural and more.

Charter Partner Beau Rivage Celebrates 25 Years

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino opened its doors in Biloxi on March 15, 1999. In response to Beau Rivage’s arrival, the Coast casino market grew from $814 million in 1998 to top $1 billion for the first time in 1999 — a whopping 27 percent increase in a year. This year, the property celebrates 25 wildly successful years.

“Achieving the success Beau Rivage has experienced since 1999 has been a true collaboration of our employees, our guests and our community,” said Brandon Dardeau, Beau Rivage President and Chief Operating Officer.

The anniversary festivities have included a spectacular drone show, an employee celebration, a New Orleans-style second line parade throughout the resort, a packing party for local charity, and even the re-release of the original Biloxi Blonde beer in partnership with Chandeleur Brewing Company. Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport joined the celebration by offering a St. Patrick’s Day welcome, and hopefully a dose of luck, to Beau Rivage’s air charter guests on March 15.

Beau Rivage is the only resort in the Southeast with a scheduled charter flight program servicing more than 90 cities nationwide with over 500 flights per year.

“We’ve grown and we’ve grown our customer base. We run an air program called MGMAir, we’re bringing customers from all over the country,” said Dardeau.

The MGMAir team, along with partners Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport and Sun Country Airlines, works diligently to bring in guests from all over, showcasing the beautiful place we call home. The air program launched in 2009 and hit a huge milestone of 1,000,000 passengers served in 2022.

GPT Executive Director Clay Williams said “Beau Rivage has worked strategically over the years to exponentially grow its air charter program. With this effort to attract additional fly-in visitors, the Beau Rivage air program has grown to comprise approximately 25 percent of the air service at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.”

Cheers to Beau Rivage Resort & Casino on 25 years of unparalleled success and the many more certain to come. Thank you for flying GPT!

Inaugural Service to Las Vegas & Tampa Celebrated

Gulfport -Biloxi International Airport and Breeze Airways today inaugurated the newest service to Tampa and Las Vegas.

Fares on the new nonstops start as low as $44* one-way, if purchased by January 18, for travel by February 17.  Further, Breeze is currently offering 35-percent off** all roundtrip base fares on travel from January 15 through May 22 if the promo code ‘GETFRESH’ is used at checkout on the Breeze App or at flybreeze.com.  The promotion is available through January 12 (11:59pm ET) and includes every route in Breeze’s coast-to-coast network spanning 46 cities in 26 states.

From Gulfport, MS to:

  • Las Vegas, NV (Mon and Fri, starting January 12, 2024, Nice from $59* one way); and
  • Tampa, FL (Mon and Fri, starting January 12, 2024, Nice from $44* one way).

“As Breeze Airways continues to expand, we are thrilled they have chosen to begin service from Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport to the exciting cities of Las Vegas and Tampa,” said Clay Williams, Executive Director. “Having additional affordable nonstop options will also provide convenient access for visitors from Nevada and Florida to enjoy the many amenities of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”

“Breeze looks to connect city pairs which currently have no nonstop service, and we’re starting things off in Gulfport-Biloxi with two high demand destinations in Tampa and Las Vegas,” said Breeze Airways’ President Tom Doxey. “Whether you want to take a quick trip to the Entertainment Capital of the World, or head down to Florida for the weekend, Breeze has you covered.”

Recognized by Travel + Leisure readers as one of the Top 5 Best U.S. Airlines for the second consecutive year, Breeze offers Guests both bundled and a la carte options known as Nice, Nicer and, on flights operated with the Airbus A220-300, Nicest. The Nicest bundle includes two checked bags, priority boarding and Breeze Ascent—the carrier’s premium inflight experience featuring 2×2 recliner-style seating and complimentary snacks and beverages, including alcohol.  

Breeze doesn’t charge change or cancellation fees up to 15 minutes prior to departure and offers other benefits such as free family seating and a la carte pricing. With seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24-months of reusable flight credit and customized flight features delivered via a sleek and simple app, Breeze makes it easy to buy and easy to fly. Learn more about Breeze’s flight offerings via our site or the app.

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*Nice promotion is available only when booking a new reservation for travel between January 18 and February 17, 2024. Promotion must be purchased by January 18, 2024 (11:59 pm ET).  Price displayed includes taxes and government fees. Fare prices, fare classes, rules, routes, and schedules are subject to change or exemption without notice. Any changes or modifications to qualifying promotional reservations will be subject to fare repricing. A difference in airfare at the current fare price may apply. Other restrictions and blackout dates may apply.

**35% base fare discount applies only to new reservations for roundtrip flights with promo code GETFRESH. Supply is limited, and no advance purchase requirement applies. Promotion must be purchased at flybreeze.com or on the Breeze app from January 8, 2024, through January 12, 2024 (11:59 pm ET), for travel from January 15, 2024, through May 22, 2024. Travel must be flown on qualifying travel dates for discount to be applied in full. Discount will apply only to flights on qualifying travel dates. All fare rules will apply. Certain flights and/or days of travel may be unavailable. Fare prices, fare classes, rules, routes, and schedules are subject to change or exemption without notice. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Any changes or modifications to qualifying promotional reservations will be subject to fare repricing. A difference in airfare at the current fare price may apply. Other restrictions and blackout dates may apply.

About Breeze Airways  
Breeze Airways began service in May 2021 and has been ranked as one of the U.S.’ best domestic airlines for the last two years by Travel + Leisure magazine’s World’s Best Awards (#2 in 2022 and #4 in 2023).  Breeze offers a mix of more than 150 year-round and seasonal nonstop routes between 46 cities in 27 states.  Founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, Breeze operates a fleet of Embraer 190/195 and Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with a focus on providing efficient and affordable flights between secondary airports, bypassing hubs for shorter travel times. With seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24-months of reusable flight credit and customized flight features – including complimentary family seating – delivered via a sleek and simple app, Breeze makes it easy to buy and easy to fly. Learn more about Breeze’s flight offerings via our site or the app. 

2023 Attractions Christmas Tree Display

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is pleased to bring passengers the most festive display of the Coast’s amazing attractions. On Monday, December 4, Santa cut the ribbon to officially open the Mississippi Gulf Coast Attractions Association Airport Christmas Tree Display. This is the second year the airport and association have partnered on this holiday display. The seven participating attractions each decorated their trees to match the theme of their mission.

This year’s display includes trees from Bananas Mini-Golf & Arcade, Dr. Wagner’s Honey Island Swamp Tours, Faery Court Masquerade Ball, Hilton Garden Inn Gulfport Airport, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art, and TrainTastic Interactive Model Railroad Museum.

Breeze Airways Announces GPT as New Destination

Gulfport, MS (October 24, 2023) – Breeze Airways, the U.S.’ only NLCC, or ‘Nice Low Cost Carrier,’ announced today that it would be adding twice-weekly service from Gulfport, MS to both Las Vegas and Tampa, starting January 12, 2024.

Fares on the new nonstop routes start from $29* one-way to Tampa and $59* to Las Vegas, if purchased by October 30, for travel by September 3, 2024. The service from Gulfport-Biloxi is also eligible for the airline’s Bundle Up offer announced today.

Breeze is offering 10,000 bonus BreezePoints** to all Guests who purchase roundtrip travel by Thursday, using the code ‘BUNDLEUP’ to purchase either a Nicer or Nicest fare bundle. The Bundle Up promotion is on sale for three days, through October 26 (11:59pm ET), for travel from October 31 through February 13, 2024. Flights must be purchased at flybreeze.com or through the Breeze app.

From Gulfport, MS to:

  • Las Vegas, NV (Mon and Fri, starting January 12, 2024, Nice from $59* one way); and
  • Tampa, FL (Mon and Fri, starting January 12, 2024, Nice from $29* one way)

“As Breeze Airways continues to expand, we are thrilled they have chosen to begin service from Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport to the exciting cities of Las Vegas and Tampa,” said Clay Williams, Executive Director. “Having additional affordable nonstop options will also provide convenient access for visitors from Nevada and Florida to enjoy the many amenities of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”

“Breeze seeks to connect cities that don’t currently have nonstop flight options,” said Breeze Airways’ President Tom Doxey. “Now residents of Gulfport and Biloxi will have convenient and affordable service to Las Vegas or Tampa, two of the country’s most popular destinations.”

Recognized by Travel + Leisure readers as one of the Top 5 Best U.S. Airlines for the second consecutive year, Breeze offers Guests both bundled and a la carte options known as Nice, Nicer and, on flights operated with the Airbus A220-300, Nicest. The Nicest bundle includes two checked bags, priority boarding and Breeze Ascent—the carrier’s premium inflight experience featuring 2×2 recliner-style seating and complimentary snacks and beverages, including alcohol.

Breeze doesn’t charge change or cancellation fees up to 15 minutes prior to departure and offers other benefits such as free family seating and a la carte pricing. With seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24-months of reusable flight credit and customized flight features delivered via a sleek and simple app, Breeze makes it easy to buy and easy to fly. Learn more about Breeze’s flight offerings via our site or the app.

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*$29 Nice promotion is available only when booking a new reservation for travel between GPT-TPA, TPA-GPT. *$59 Nice promotion is available only when booking a new reservation for travel between GPT-LAS, LAS-GPT. Promotion must be purchased from October 24, 2023, through October 30, 2023 (11:59 pm ET). GPT-TPA, TPA-GPT, GPT-LAS, and LAS-GPT promotion valid only for travel from January 12, 2024, through September 3, 2024. CAK-RDU and RDU-CAK promotion valid only for travel from February 2, 2024, through September 3, 2024. Price displayed includes taxes and government fees. Fare prices, rules, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions and blackout dates may apply.

**10,000 BreezePoints ($100) bonus offer applies only to new reservations for Nicer or Nicest bundles on roundtrip flights with promo code BUNDLEUP. Supply is limited, and no advance purchase requirement applies. Promotion must be purchased at flybreeze.com or on the Breeze app from October 24, 2023, through October 26, 2023 (11:59 pm ET), for travel from October 31, 2023, through February 13, 2024. All travel must be flown on qualifying travel dates for BreezePoints bonus to be applied. BreezePoints are earned after travel and will be deposited into the booking Guest account within 10 days after final travel is completed and must be used within 6 months of receipt. All fare rules will apply. Certain flights and/or days of travel may be unavailable. Fare prices, fare classes, rules, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Other restrictions and blackout dates may apply.

About Breeze Airways 
Breeze Airways began service in May 2021 and has been ranked as one of the U.S.’ best domestic airlines for the last two years by Travel + Leisure magazine’s World’s Best Awards (#2 in 2022 and #4 in 2023).  Breeze offers a mix of more than 150 year-round and seasonal nonstop routes between 37 cities in 22 states.  Founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, Breeze operates a fleet of Embraer 190/195 and Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with a focus on providing efficient and affordable flights between secondary airports, bypassing hubs for shorter travel times. With seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24-months of reusable flight credit and customized flight features – including complimentary family seating – delivered via a sleek and simple app, Breeze makes it easy to buy and easy to fly. Learn more about Breeze’s flight offerings via our site or the app. 

Chandeleur Island Brewing Company, Sonic and Coffee Connection Open at GPT


Gulfport-Biloxi is thrilled to bring our passengers new and exciting food concepts by Faber. The Grand Opening of Chandeleur Island Brewing Company, Sonic and Coffee Connection was held April 26 at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. The new food and beverage offerings bring a welcome mix of local cuisine, craft beer and coffee as well as nationally recognized fast-food favorites. 

About Faber:

For over 170 years, we have satisfied travelers with news, gifts, books, and cafes, and we continue serving millions of customers in airports, train terminals, interstate thruways, hotels, and office buildings today.

From travel essentials to unique specialty boutiques, Faber has the knowledge and skill to develop the right concession program for you.

Faber’s conservative growth philosophy is to select the right locations, ensure profitability and fulfill the needs of the traveler. Dedication to our four main business fundamentals – Experience & Stability, Customer Focus, Performance & Creativity, and Flexibility – are what helps us turn ideas into reality.

Mississippi Armed Forces Museum Exhibit at GPT

GULFPORT, Miss. – Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport recently installed an exhibit from the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum titled United We Play, United We Win: Sports and Recreation at Camp Shelby in World War II. The exhibit can be viewed on the first floor of the Airport across from the United Airlines check-in counter. Continue reading below for more information on the exhibit and Mississippi history behind it. 

United We Play, United We Win:

Sports and Recreation at Camp Shelby in World War II

Located in south Mississippi, Camp Shelby was established as a military training site in 1917 and has operated almost continuously since installation. During World War II, Camp Shelby was the second largest training base in the United States in troop capacity and geographic size. Nine US Army infantry divisions, a detachment of the Women’s Army Corps, and numerous tank destroyer, engineer, independent artillery, and field hospital units trained at the base throughout the war.

While stationed at Camp Shelby, service members took part in various recreational activities to keep both physically and mentally fit. Organized competitive teams, in such sports as baseball, basketball, and football, were formed at company, regimental, and divisional levels. Teams at Camp Shelby competed against one another and played other regional military teams and local civilian teams in tournaments. Service members also engaged in more leisurely sports activities for pure enjoyment and relaxation, including miniature golf, badminton, bowling, and table tennis.

Camp Shelby’s sports arena, known as the Field House, was central to sports on the base and hosted a range of basketball, boxing, and wrestling matches. Special sports exhibitions were often organized at the Field House to keep morale high among troops. In December 1943, famed heavyweight champion, Joe Louis, and welterweights, Sugar Ray Robinson and Jackie Wilson, participated in exhibition matches and gave physical fitness talks. In the same month, the American exhibition basketball team, the Harlem Globetrotters, stopped at Camp Shelby during their tour of the South.

The following photographs featuring wartime sports and recreation belonged to Ernest A. Schleuder, the public relations officer at Camp Shelby during World War II.

About the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum

Through exhibits, videos, and immersive dioramas, within galleries spanning from the War of 1812 to present day, the Mississippi Armed Forces Museum highlights Mississippi’s role in United States military history. Experience the evolution of military strategy and technology, view one-of-a-kind historic artifacts, and share the personal stories of Mississippi’s American heroes.

The Mississippi Armed Forces Museum is located inside historic Camp Shelby, just 60 miles north of the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. The Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9am-4pm. Admission is always free.

Driver’s License Renewal Now Available at GPT

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport and Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) held a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, October 12, to launch the opening of a Driver Service Bureau location at the airport.

“The Mississippi Department of Public Safety is proud to partner with the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport on opening another driver service bureau in our state,” said DPS Commissioner Sean Tindell. “This new addition will be a convenient location that will continue to promote and encourage our reduced wait times, customer service, and efficiency.”

 

The new DPS Driver Service Bureau location allows Coastal Mississippians to reserve appointments online to renew their driver’s licenses at the convenient airport office, which is located on the first floor near Baggage Claim 2. This service is available only by pre-arranged appointment or for a person who holds a boarding pass or flight reservation. Gulfport-Biloxi is the first airport in the State of Mississippi to open a DPS office.

 

“We are pleased the Mississippi Department of Public Safety is offering this option to the public providing a convenient service for travelers to become REAL ID compliant for future flights” said Clay Williams, Executive Director at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.

 

Beginning May 3, 2023, the Transportation Security Administration will require every air traveler 18 years of age and older to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card.

 

For more information on REAL ID and acceptable forms of ID, visit tsa.gov/real-id. For more information on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety’s Driver Service Bureau or to make an appointment, visit driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/.