Eisenhower Airport achieved a milestone in 2024, with a record-breaking 1,809,142 passengers departing and arriving at the airport. This surpasses the previous record set in 2019, which saw 1,749,906 total passengers. The 2024 figures reflect a 3% increase over 2019 and a 5% rise compared to 2023.
December 2024 also marked a historic achievement, setting a new monthly record with 154,367 passengers, up from the previous high of 149,934 in December 2019. Additionally, six monthly passenger records were broken throughout the year.
Airlines played a significant role in the airport’s growth, adding 12% more scheduled flights and 4% more available seats compared to the previous year. Notable contributions included American Airlines introducing new routes to Washington, DC, Phoenix, and Miami, as well as Southwest Airlines resuming its nonstop service to Las Vegas.
These expansions underline the airport’s growing importance as a regional travel hub and its ongoing commitment to meeting passenger demand.
Increased passenger traffic drives higher concession revenue. In December, food and gift sales rose by 5.39%, rental car revenue grew by 9.18%, and parking revenue saw a significant 17.36% increase. Since the airport operates without local tax funding, revenue from concessions plays a crucial role in supporting its operations.
Air cargo tonnage continued its downward trend. Compared to December 2023, outbound tonnage fell 37.40% while inbound tonnage decreased 35.51%. For the year, air cargo tonnage was down 12.94%.
Airport statistics can be found in Airport Business.