Cargo, passenger numbers down for 2023 at Rockford airport

The latest cargo and passenger numbers coming out of the Chicago Rockford International Airport may be down but officials there say the airport remains poised for growth in 2024.

“We are pleased with the consistency demonstrated by RFD amidst a rapidly evolving industry landscape," airport Executive Director Zack Oakley said in a news release Friday. "Despite fluctuations, which we expected, our cargo operations are poised for substantial growth."

Oakley called the airport's 9.8% year-over-year drop in cargo operations a temporary downturn that should not overshadow promising growth prospects for the coming year.

In 2023, 3.1 billion pounds of landed weight traveled through RFD. In comparison to pre-pandemic figures, there were 2.3 billion pounds in 2019 and 2.1 billion in 2018.

More: Allegiant adds Rockford to Los Angeles route. Here's what you need to know

The Rockford airport is home to the second-largest UPS hub in North America and a major base of operations for Amazon Air, as well as welcoming international air cargo handler Menzies in 2023.

The airport had 238,166 passengers in 2023, a 1% drop compared to 2022.

“The consistency in passenger travel underscores the airport's steadfast commitment to providing reliable and efficient services to travelers," Oakley said.

The airport is adding direct flights to Nashville and Los Angeles in the coming months, which are expected to bolster passenger numbers in the years to come.

The airport is served by Allegiant Air, which currently offers eight flights to nonstop destinations including Las Vegas, NV; Los Angeles, CA, Nashville, TN, Phoenix, AZ; and Orlando, Clearwater, Punta Gorda, and Sarasota, FL.The most popular destination is Punta Gorda, with more than 63,000 passengers choosing Rockford’s airport for their travels.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: Cargo, passenger numbers down for 2023 at Rockford airport