WHEN IT COMES TO MAJOR domestic airports, chances are hubs like JFK, LAX and ORD come to mind much sooner than Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Located about 20 miles north of Miami, FLL is one of the busiest airports in the country.

Although Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport opened in 1953, it rose to prominence in the early 1990s.

The airport serves as a hub for JetBlue, Silver Airways and Spirit Airlines. Allegiant Air, Norwegian Air and Southwest Airlines use the airport as a focus gateway. It might not handle the types of flights Miami sees, but more than 700 daily flights ensure FLL is here to stay. Before the end of the year, airlines will add three new domestic and one international route to the airport’s diverse network. In 2018 the airport added service to nearly two dozen new markets.

Carving out an even greater niche, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International works with nearby Port Everglades to create a seamless experience for passengers flying into the region to board a cruise to the Caribbean. In addition to Port Everglades, the Port of Miami lies about 45 minutes away.

As airport officials look toward the future, a number of big upgrades appear on the horizon. Recently, the FLLibrary opened for public use at the airport. The Broward County-run entertainment offering manifests as an entertainment nook located between terminals 3 and 4 where passengers can relax and recharge electronic devices before their flights. Guests can scan a QR code on their phones to access an online library of complimentary music and movies.

More indicative of the airport’s grand plans, the Broward County Aviation Department recently updated FLL’s master plan. While no changes have been announced yet, the updates will put the airport in a prime position to add new roads, facilities, utilities and garages as needs arise in the coming years. Right now, the airport expects to finish reworking the North Runway and put it back in service by the end of September. The completion of the runway work will also reopen the Ron Gardner Aircraft Observation Area, located off the North Runway and offering great views of arriving and departing flights.

Specifically in Terminal 2, work has been underway for more than a year to sufficiently modernize the airport, with new restrooms, shopping and dining areas and options, waiting areas and a permanent Delta Sky Club in the works for the future.

In recent years, Terminal 4 added 12 new gates, with two more set to open this year. Two domestic gates and 12 international gates will call the ever-expanding terminal home.

Whether a window restoration in Terminal 1, the regular addition of new routes or pedestrian safety improvements, Fort-Lauderdale- Hollywood International Airport sets its sights on building toward a bigger future.