RFD Achieves Record-Breaking Growth in 2024
Airport reports historic passenger numbers and cargo operations growth

ROCKFORD, Ill. (Jan. 22, 2025) – Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) announced its 2024 cargo and passenger numbers, a banner year that included a record-breaking number of passengers served and the third largest year for cargo landed weight.

Passenger Service Reaches Record-Breaking Number
RFD welcomed 262,432 passengers in 2024, a nine percent increase from 2023, and experienced its largest year in history for passenger service. The record-breaking year included the launch of new flight routes. In May, RFD, in partnership with Allegiant Air, introduced direct flights to Nashville, TN and Los Angeles, CA. The expanded passenger services contributed to the growth in the number of passengers traveling in and out of the airport.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate record-breaking passenger numbers in 2024,” said Oakley. “Because of the community’s support in utilizing our passenger services and the success of the new routes to Los Angeles and Nashville last year, we will be reintroducing more flights in 2025.”

Seasonal flights to Los Angeles and Nashville return in May and from January 24 through March 15, RFD will be offering seasonal international flights. Through its partnership with Apple Vacations, travelers can book vacations to Cancun/Riviera Maya, Mexico; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Costa Rica. 

U.S. and International Cargo Partnerships Reach New Heights
In 2024, 3.14 billion pounds of landed weight traveled through RFD, making it the third largest year ever for its air cargo operations. With a 1.5 percent increase from 2023, the year-over-year growth can be credited in part by RFD’s relationships with new international partners and current airport tenants.

Last year, UPS celebrated its 30^th anniversary at RFD. In April, UPS was awarded a significant air cargo contract by the United States Postal Service (USPS), making UPS its primary air cargo provider and responsible for moving much of its air cargo in the U.S. This addition as well as increased flights by Amazon Air and Maersk Air Cargo helped to drive growth in 2024 and RFD expects that growth to continue in 2025.

“We value our long-term partnerships with UPS, Amazon Air, and Maersk Air Cargo and the contributions they bring to our regional economy. We look forward to the continued success in 2025,” said Zack Oakley, Executive Director of RFD.

For more information about RFD, visit flyrfd.com.

About Chicago Rockford International Airport
The Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is ranked as the 15th largest airport in the United States for air cargo with more than 3.1 billion pounds of landed weight in 2024. The Airport is home to the second-largest UPS hub in North America and a major base of operations for Amazon Air. The Airport campus encompasses an aviation maintenance repair facility (AAR) as well as other aircraft maintenance operations capable of servicing next-generation aircraft. There is also an aviation education maintenance program (Rock Valley College) on airport grounds that is turning out a highly trained and skilled workforce.

RFD and its tenants are home to more than 8,000 jobs and contribute millions of dollars of economic impact to the region annually.

Additionally, RFD has several direct domestic and international passenger flights which further strengthens the airport as a key transportation hub to the region. RFD offers direct passenger flights through Allegiant Airlines to Nashville, TN; Los Angeles, CA; Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda, Sarasota, Orlando, and Tampa, FL; Phoenix, AZ; and Las Vegas, NV.