Record Growth at Springfield Airport

A record number of people are using the Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF).

504,295 passengers used the airport during the first six months of 2018. 365,146 passengers used the airport during the same period in 2013. The numbers represent an increase of 38% in just five years.

More routes and larger planes have led to three back-to-back record years. This makes the airport one of the fastest growing for its size in the nation. The airport just missed reaching a million passengers in 2017 by 6,871. So far this year passenger numbers are up 10% compared to last year.

“With the early growth we’re seeing, there’s an excellent chance 2018 will be the year we break the 1-million benchmark,” says Brian Weiler, the airport’s director of aviation.

The growth is spurred by a strong local economy, plus the addition of non-stop service to Charlotte (CLT), Houston (IAH), and Ft. Walton Beach (VPS).

To better serve its customers the airport recently expanded the restaurant. It also increased the number of charging stations, and improved the terminal’s Wi-Fi. Planning work begins soon for the next parking lot expansion.

Passenger numbers aren’t the only thing growing at the airport. During the first six months of 2018 …

• Airline flights are up 10.8% to 4,625.

• Aviation fuel used at the airport is up 16% to 3,811,539 gallons.

• Air cargo handled is up 5.9% to 14,486,747 pounds.

Four airlines serve Springfield: Allegiant, American, Delta, and United. They provide non-stop flights to 13 destinations: Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, Charlotte, Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Orlando, and Punta Gorda/Ft. Myers.