State College Regional Airport Recorded Highest Post-COVID Passenger Activity in 2025

State College Regional Airport in 2025 had its highest level of passenger activity since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, airport officials said on Thursday.

The 148,196 enplanements, or passengers boarding aircrafts, last year also marked the third most in the airport’s history.

“This milestone is a clear signal that our community has returned to flying and continues to  value convenient access to air service,” said Chris Groshel, Chair of the Centre County  Airport Authority. “Reaching our highest post-COVID passenger levels—and ranking as the  third-highest year overall—is a testament to the strength of our market, the commitment of  our airline partners, and the support of our passengers.” 

The airport had more than 150,000 enplanements in 2018 and 2019 before the pandemic caused a widespread downturn for airlines and the travel industry that rippled for years. The continued rebound in the Centre County market, airport officials said, demonstrates growing demand for air travel in Central Pennsylvania.

That demand has gotten off to a strong start in the new year, as the weekend of Jan. 9-11 saw approximately 2,000 airline seats filled as students and families traveled back to the region ahead of Penn State’s spring semester and airlines adding flights over those days to accommodate the demand.

Launched in 2025, the State College Air Service Alliance is working to expand commercial airline service at State College Regional Airport. The partnership among the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County, the Centre County Airport Authority, the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and Penn State unifies and organizes efforts to attract new airline service to the airport, which currently offers regular direct flights to Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. through American Airlines and United Airlines.

A Fly State College Fund was introduced as part of the effort, with member organizations and local municipalities contributing the initial funding. The alliance is also encouraging businesses and individuals to support the fund, which will provide revenue guarantees, marketing support and financial incentives to attract and retain airlines and routes.

“As demand continues to stabilize and grow, we remain focused on enhancing the passenger experience and supporting air service that meets the needs of our region,” Groshel added.  “This [2025 enplanement] achievement reinforces the airport’s role as a vital economic and transportation asset  for Centre County and the surrounding region.”