Dane County Regional Airport Experiences Record Number of Passengers in 2025

In a year of unprecedented challenges for the aviation industry, Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wisconsin has achieved a new record for passenger volume. The airport served nearly 2. 5 million passengers in 2025, surpassing the previous all-time record set in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Airport officials credit the increase in passenger traffic to a combination of new and returning air service in 2025. This includes the return of summer seasonal service to Los Angeles, added flights to New York–LaGuardia, and seasonal nonstop additions to Phoenix, Fort Myers, and Miami. Additionally, the first year of Breeze Airways operating out of Madison has contributed to the record-breaking numbers.

Dane County Executive Melissa Agard expressed her satisfaction with this achievement, stating that the record passenger volume reflects confidence in the future of Dane County. She emphasized the airport’s role as an economic engine that supports local business growth, attracts visitors, and makes it easier to recruit and retain talent. Agard believes that the airport’s success will benefit the entire community.

Executive Director Mark Papko echoed Agard’s sentiment, stating that the record is a testament to the community’s support for the airport. He believes that the convenience, amenities, and expanding nonstop flight options are major factors in more travelers choosing to fly local. In the past two months, the airport has announced two new nonstop flights to Boston on American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, as well as a new nonstop service to Raleigh on Breeze Airways, all starting in the spring of 2026.

Papko also sees the record-breaking numbers as a positive sign for airline partners, indicating a strong and growing market. He expressed gratitude to the travelers of the region for choosing to fly local and thanked the airport staff, airlines, vendors, and travel partners for their contribution to this achievement.

The airport’s success has also coincided with the appointment of Papko as Executive Director in July. With the community’s ongoing support and the airport’s continued efforts to provide convenient and efficient travel options, Dane County Regional Airport is poised for further growth and success in the future.