Growth continues as Second Quarter Seats are up 11% vs last year

MIDDLETOWN, PA – April 30, 2026 – The Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA) announced today that Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) achieved a record-breaking first quarter in 2026, serving nearly 400,000 passengers for the first time in the airport’s history.

The airport served 390,886 passengers between January and March 2026, a 12.4% increase over the previous record set in the first quarter of 2025.

“As our airline partners continue to expand service from Harrisburg, a record number of central Pennsylvania travelers are choosing to fly closer to home,” said Timothy J. Edwards, SARAA executive director. “So far this year, with total seats for sale up 16%, travelers have more choices to reach hundreds of destinations around the world.”

Edwards noted that one of the most encouraging aspects of the airport’s growth is the increasing number of travelers from across central Pennsylvania. While 44% of passengers originate from HIA’s core counties—Lancaster, Dauphin, Cumberland, and York—the airport is seeing significant increases from Lebanon, Centre, Berks, and Lycoming counties. In addition, out-of-state travelers are increasingly using HIA, particularly from Chicago, Tampa, Charlotte, Sarasota, and Fort Myers—all destinations served nonstop from Harrisburg.

More Growth Expected

Passenger traffic is expected to continue growing as United, American, and Delta increase flights and seat capacity between May 1 and July 31, 2026—up nearly 11% compared to the same period in 2025.

United Airlines (+31%) has become HIA’s fastest-growing carrier, adding larger aircraft with more premium seating on flights to Chicago and expanding service to Washington Dulles. Departures to Chicago will increase from five to six on most days beginning June 4, and service to Dulles will increase from three to four daily departures on most days beginning May 27.

American Airlines (+21% capacity increase), HIA’s largest carrier, is expanding service to Chicago, Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Boston:

• Chicago service will see the largest increase, up 95%, with up to four daily departures on most days. American is also introducing larger 128-seat Airbus A319 aircraft featuring Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, and First-Class seating twice daily.
• Philadelphia service has increased to five daily departures on most days.
• Charlotte service has increased to seven daily departures on most days.
• Boston service has been upgraded to a 76-seat Embraer 175 aircraft with Main Cabin, Main Cabin Extra, and First-Class seating on all flights.

Delta Air Lines (+11% capacity increase) will increase Atlanta service from three to four daily departures on most days beginning June 7 and Detroit service from two to three daily departures beginning May 22.

Allegiant Air has resumed twice-weekly seasonal nonstop service to Nashville, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, and Myrtle Beach. Year-round service to Orlando-Sanford, St. Petersburg/Clearwater, Sarasota, and Punta Gorda continues, with two to six weekly flights depending on destination.

SARAA Board Welcomes New Members

The SARAA Board of Directors is comprised of 15 volunteer community leaders appointed to staggered five-year terms by Cumberland, Dauphin, and York counties; the townships of Lower Swatara and Fairview; and the cities of York and Harrisburg. The Board is responsible for approving the Authority’s strategic plan, annual budget, leases, and contracts, as well as setting policies and procedures. With the appointments below, the Board is once again at its full complement of 15 members.

• Michael Walker, a government relations and public strategy professional, has been appointed to represent the City of York.
• Brian Guistwhite, a director of manufacturing and distribution, has been appointed to represent York County.
• Brett Flower, a municipal law, land use, and labor attorney, has been appointed to represent Cumberland County.

Central PA Air Show

Ticket sales for the 2026 Central PA Air Show, featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, continue to perform strongly. Saturday and Sunday are approaching sellout status, while Monday ticket sales are exceeding expectations. Show dates are Saturday, May 23; Sunday, May 24; and Monday, May 25. Air show hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with aerial performances scheduled from noon to 4 p.m.

Edwards reminds travelers flying over Memorial Day weekend that the airport will remain open; however, airlines have adjusted some flight times during aerial performance periods. Passengers are encouraged to download their airline’s mobile app for real-time flight updates.

He also recommends that travelers departing between 8 a.m. and noon, or between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., allow extra time due to increased traffic entering and exiting the airport during peak show hours.

For more information, visit www.paairshow.com.