Eastern Iowa Airport sets all-time passenger record in 2024

Eastern Iowa Airport gates baggage handling
Passengers navigate the arrival and departure gates at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids. CREDIT RICHARD PRATT

The Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids set a passenger record in 2024, with 1.5 million total passengers utilizing the airport last year.

The total passenger count for 2024 is 9% more than the previous record of 1.4 million passengers, set in 2023. Prior to last year’s record, 2019 was the record-setter, with 1.3 million passengers.

In a release, Eastern Iowa Airport director Marty Lenss said airlines continue to invest in the Eastern Iowa region because they see strong economic growth and stability, and that passengers choose to use the Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) as a result.

“The success of CID is built on the strength of passengers choosing to use CID for business and leisure travel,” Mr. Lenss said. “When airlines see people using this airport, they will look at ways to increase service, whether increasing the size of the aircraft flown, adding more frequency or even introducing a new destination.”

The Eastern Iowa Airport added three new destinations in 2023. American Airlines added two destinations, with daily service to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington, D.C., and seasonal Saturday service to Miami International Airport (MIA). And Allegiant Air added Fort Lauderdale for those seeking low-fares to the popular Florida destination.

All three destinations, along with 15 other nonstop destinations, provide travelers the most options in Eastern Iowa, according to Mr. Lenss.

“Along with the nonstop destinations, there are more than 400 one-stop destinations travelers can get to from CID,” Mr. Lenss says. “You can have breakfast at home and be in Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) for happy hour and dinner with a one- stop connection in Miami.”

The airlines continue to invest in the market, with capacity increases for the next three months. January’s capacity is up 10% over 2023, February’s is up 5% and March’s is up 3%.