Strong airline partnerships drive historic year and position airport for continued growth

Middletown, PA – January 28, 2026 – The Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA) announced today that Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) had a record-breaking year in 2025, serving more than 1.6 million passengers for the first time in the airport’s history.

The airport served 1,623,324 passengers in 2025, a 12.3% increase over 2024 and a 7.3% increase over the previous record of 1,512,585 set in 2019.

“Serving more than 1.6 million people for the first time marks a significant milestone in the airport’s history and demonstrates our region’s strong demand for air travel,” said Timothy J. Edwards, SARAA executive director. “All of our airline partners increased service last year, allowing more central Pennsylvania travelers the opportunity to fly from closer to home. The airport set nine all-time monthly passenger records in 2025, with July marking the busiest month in airport history.”

2025’s Most Popular Destinations

For travelers departing from HIA, the most popular domestic destinations were Orlando, Chicago, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, and Charlotte. International travelers most frequently chose London, Cancun, Toronto, Mexico City, and Paris.

Visitors arriving in Pennsylvania via HIA primarily came from Florida, Texas, Illinois, North Carolina, and California.

Airlines Significantly Expand Service Early in 2026

The airport’s record growth is expected to continue as United, American, and Delta have significantly increased flights and available seats between February 1st and April 30th, 2026—up an average of 16% compared to the same period in 2025.

United Airlines (+33% capacity increase) has become HIA’s fastest-growing airline by deploying larger aircraft with more premium seating options on Chicago routes. Daily departures to Chicago increased from three or four flights in January to five per day starting March 30th. United has also added a third daily flight to Washington DC, up from two daily flights during the same period last year.

American Airlines (+26% capacity increase), HIA’s largest carrier, is expanding flight options to Chicago, Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Boston:

• Chicago service will see the largest increase, up 132%, with daily departures increasing to three flights starting February 1st and four flights starting April 8th. For the first time, American will operate much larger 128-seat Airbus 319 aircraft featuring Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, and First-Class seating to Chicago twice daily beginning February 13th.

• Philadelphia service increases from four to five daily flights starting March 9th.

• Charlotte service expands from six to seven daily departures starting February 15th, with some flights using larger aircraft.

• Boston service will be upgraded to 76-seat Embraer-175 aircraft with Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, and First Class seating on all flights.

Delta Air Lines (+18% capacity increase) has deployed a mix of larger aircraft including Airbus 319s, Airbus 320s, and Boeing 737s to Atlanta this spring. Delta has also added a second daily flight to Detroit, doubling service from one daily flight a year ago.

Allegiant Air resumes twice-weekly nonstop service to Nashville, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale on February 12th, with seasonal service to Myrtle Beach returning April 2nd. Year-round service to Orlando-Sanford, St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Sarasota, and Punta Gorda continues with between two and six flights per week depending on destination.

Delivering an Altogether Better Experience

As passenger volumes grow, the Authority continues working with partners to provide an airport experience where travelers can reach destinations worldwide without the hassle and chaos found at airports located hours away.

Significant enhancements over the past 12 months include refurbished concessions at Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, Auntie Anne’s, and the Capital Café, plus brand-new dining options including Yuengling’s 1829 Bar and Grill, Crafted, and the Great American Bagel. The airport installed six new passenger boarding bridges, refurbished floor joints and seals in the parking garage, updated the computer system for the checked baggage scanning system, and installed new seating in the Susquehanna Club and the Olmstead Room.

In 2026, four restrooms and two companion care stations are being remodeled, and new escalators will be installed throughout the terminal building and the parking garage/rental car facility.

“2025 was our best year ever, and we’re committed to ensuring that growth and success continues,” Edwards said. “Our vision of More Flights, to More Places, More Often is becoming reality, and we’re making the investments necessary to deliver an exceptional travel experience for central Pennsylvania.”