Airport reports historic passenger numbers and cargo operations growth
ROCKFORD, Ill. (Feb. 11, 2026) – Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) announced its 2025 passenger and cargo totals, marking another milestone year for the airport and the region it serves. Passenger activity climbed to an all-time high, while cargo operations continued to deliver strong performance powered by long-term partnerships and ongoing investment in air logistics.
Passenger Service Breaks 310,000 Travelers
RFD served more than 310,000 passengers in 2025, setting a new passenger record for the airport. The historic year reflects growing demand for easy, convenient travel options close to home, as more families and leisure travelers choose RFD to start their trips.
“We’ve always believed that when you make travel simple and dependable, people respond,” said Zack Oakley, Executive Director of RFD. “Breaking 310,000 passengers is a clear signal that travelers value the experience we offer here, and we’re proud to keep building passenger service that works for our community.”
RFD’s passenger momentum was supported by continued leisure demand and expanded travel options, including nonstop routes and vacation travel opportunities that make it easier for local travelers to reach major destinations with less stress. In 2025, RFD introduced the new American Airlines service operated by Landline, strengthening RFD’s position as a premier travel option and connecting passengers to more than 350 destinations worldwide.
Cargo Operations Continue Strong Performance
RFD’s air cargo activity remained a major strength in 2025. The airport achieved 3.4 billion pounds of total landed weight in 2025, representing a 9.25% percent increase compared to 2024. The year’s cargo performance reflects steady volumes from key carrier partners, expanded international partnerships, along with continued market demand for efficient, reliable operations in the Midwest.
It was also RFD’s strongest cargo year outside of the COVID-era peak in 2022. Just four years later, the airport nearly matched those historic shipping levels and came within one cargo aircraft landing (approximately 113,000 pounds) of breaking the record. “Our cargo business is built on consistency, speed, and trust,” Oakley said. “That’s why long-term partners continue to invest here, and why RFD continues to play an outsized role in the national supply chain and our regional economy.”
In 2025, Amazon Air celebrated five years since opening its Rockford operation, marking a significant chapter in the airport’s continued growth as a logistics hub. The Amazon Air facility has expanded its activity and workforce over time, underscoring RFD’s position as a place where large-scale cargo operations can succeed. Additionally, Allegiant Air marked 20 years of partnership with RFD. Since 2005, Allegiant has flown more than 3.6 million passengers out of RFD.
For more information about RFD, visit FlyRFD.com.
About Chicago Rockford International Airport
The Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is ranked as the 15th largest airport in the United States for air cargo with more than 3.4 billion pounds of landed weight in 2025. The Airport is home to the second-largest UPS hub in North America and is a major base of operations for Amazon Air. The Airport campus encompasses an aviation maintenance repair facility (AAR) as well as other aircraft maintenance operations capable of servicing next-generation aircraft. There is also an aviation education maintenance program (Rock Valley College) on airport grounds that is turning out a highly trained and skilled workforce.
RFD and its tenants are home to more than 8,000 jobs and contribute billions of dollars of economic impact to the region annually.
Additionally, RFD has several direct domestic and international passenger flights which further strengthens the airport as a key transportation hub to the region. RFD offers direct passenger flights through Allegiant Airlines to Fort Lauderdale, FL; Nashville, TN; Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda, Sarasota, Orlando, and Tampa, FL; Phoenix, AZ; and Las Vegas, NV.
Visit FlyRFD.com for more information.
