MEDIA RELEASE

ROCKFORD, Ill. (June 18, 2025) – The Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) announced its 2024 cargo ranking from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), highlighting a year-over-year increase in total landed weight and an improved national ranking. There were more than 3.1 billion pounds of landed weight at RFD in 2024, reflecting a 1.5 percent increase from 2023.

This performance elevated RFD from the No.15 to the No.14 spot among more than 100 airports nationwide for total landed weight. The growth underscores RFD’s continued role as a major player in the air cargo industry and a vital logistics hub for the Midwest.

The scale of operations at RFD places it among some of the busiest and largest airports in the country, including Chicago O’Hare International Airport (No. 7), John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York (No. 9), and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (No. 15). The following highlights the top 20 U.S. airport rankings and the complete list of 100 airports can be accessed here.

While RFD is always looking for opportunities to further grow and improve, the year-over-year consistency in cargo operations reflects RFD’s commitment to reliability and excellence.

“Our consistency is the foundation for our ability to improve in a highly competitive and ever evolving industry. We’re confident that, if current trends continue, we are well-positioned to surpass our 2024 cargo performance in 2025,” said Zack Oakley, Executive Director of RFD.

RFD’s carrier partners have played a critical role in sustaining the steady flow of more than three billion pounds of landed weight at the airport for four consecutive years. In May, Amazon Air celebrated five years of operations at RFD, while UPS has remained a valued partner for more than 30 years. Additionally, Maersk Air Cargo has contributed to the airport’s ongoing cargo growth.

“We’re grateful for our partnership with Amazon Air, UPS, and Maersk Air Cargo,” said Oakley. “Together, we’ve helped make RFD one of the largest cargo hubs in the country and a key driver of economic growth for the Northern Illinois region.”

In January, RFD announced that 2024 was the third-largest year on record for landed cargo weight and the airport’s busiest year ever for passenger traffic, with 262,432 travelers served.

For more information about RFD cargo operations, visit rfdcargo.com