The Eastern Iowa Airport has kicked off 2026 with another record-breaking month, posting a 5% increase in total passengers for January compared to the same month a year ago.
The airport, known by its designation CID, recorded 128,641 passengers in January, up from 122,267 in January 2025. The milestone marks the 23rd consecutive month of passenger records at the Cedar Rapids facility. CID closed out 2025 with 1.6 million total passengers, its third consecutive record-breaking annual total.
Airport Director Marty Lenss said airlines continue to expand their investment in the Eastern Iowa market, which serves Eastern Iowa and border regions of Illinois and Wisconsin. Capacity — measured by the number of available seats — is up 13% in February, 14% in March and 12% in April compared to the same months last year.
“Nationally, the industry average for capacity increases is 2 to 3 percent — we are very appreciative of the airlines’ investment in our region,” Mr. Lenss said.
Among the contributors to that growth are expanded flight frequencies by American Airlines and United Airlines to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. American Airlines will increase its daily flights to O’Hare from three or four per day to six, while United Airlines will grow its daily service from five flights to seven or eight per day.
“The airlines are providing passengers additional opportunities to connect through one of the world’s busiest airports,” Mr. Lenss said. “These frequency increases open up even more easy, one-stop connections for business and leisure travelers.”
CID offers nonstop service to 17 destinations on five airlines: Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines and United Airlines.
