Spring breakers, additional flights drove record passengers at Rockford airport in March

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — The Chicago Rockford International Airport marked its best month ever for passenger service in March, bolstered by spring breakers flying to warmer climates and additional frequency of flights.

The airport said it served nearly 40,000 passengers in March, a 34% increase in enplanements compared to March 2024. The record numbers are driven by spring break travel to Tampa, Orlando and Punta Gorda in Flordia as well as Las Vegas, Nevada, and Phoenix, Arizona, and international vacation destinations. The airport also had more flight frequency from Allegiant Air on existing routes, and this year marked the seasonal return of Apple Vacations to destinations such as Cancun, Mexico, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

The record month comes after RFD welcomed a record 262,432 passengers in 2024, which was a 9% increase from 2023. The airport is on pace to break that record this year with passenger travel already up 27% compared to this time last year.

“The consistency in growth for passenger travel underscores the airport’s commitment to providing reliable and efficient services to travelers,” said Zack Oakley, the airport’s executive director. “We are excited about the future growth of our passenger services.”

The airport also said Apple Vacations international flights will return, with ticket sales beginning May 3 for Cancun, Punta Cana and Huatulco, Mexico, the latter of the three which replaces previous service to Costa Rica.

Flights to Nashville, Tennessee, also return this year with the first service on May 22. Service to Los Angeles, which launched last year, has been halted after Allegiant opted to close its hub at LAX, citing unsustainable operating costs.

RFD’s passenger service comes from Allegiant Air, which offers nonstop flights to seven destinations: Las Vegas, Nashville, Phoenix, and several cities in Florida —Orlando, Tampa, Punta Gorda, and Sarasota.

Oakley said the airport is in constant discussions with Allegiant about adding frequency and new routes, a request it often hears from passengers.

“We hear a lot for Denver, Colorado Springs — just that Colorado route in general. That’s something we consistently talk about with them,” Oakley said.

Other common requests are for locations in Texas and Myrtle Beach, as well as working to bring service back to LA.

“As we maintain our existing services and embark on exciting new ventures, we anticipate continued growth and success for RFD,” Oakley said. “We remain dedicated to serving our community, providing exceptional services, and driving economic prosperity for the region.”

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas