Northwest Arkansas National Airport surpasses 1 million passengers for first time in 2024 | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

HIGHFILL — Northwest Arkansas National Airport surpassed the 1 million mark for passengers flying out of the airport for the first time in 2024 making it the busiest year in the airport’s history.

The airport recorded 1,147,947 enplanements in 2024, according to airport staff.

“Surpassing the 1 million enplanement mark is a significant achievement for XNA and Northwest Arkansas,” said Aaron Burkes, airport CEO. “It reflects the incredible growth of our region and the rising demand for air travel. We’re committed to providing a smooth and convenient travel experience for our passengers.”

In 2023, Northwest Arkansas National set its previous record with 991,489 passengers. The 2024 total is a 16% increase over that record. The record prior to 2023 was set before the pandemic, in 2019, and totaled 922,533. The 2024 passenger total increased 25% over the 2019 record.

The airport’s record-breaking year was driven by Northwest Arkansas’ rapid growth and a surge in air travel demand, according to a news release from the airport.

Northwest Arkansas National is the primary commercial airport for Northwest Arkansas, offering 26 nonstop destinations through six airlines.

The airport continues to expand its connectivity with several new nonstop destinations announced for late 2024 and early 2025, according to the release.

Delta Airlines launched service to Detroit in November and will add flights to Salt Lake City in February.

American Airlines launched service to Philadelphia in December.

Allegiant Air will add flights to Gulf Shores, Ala., in May.