Rochester International Airport Announces 27% Passenger Growth

Rochester International Airport (RST) announces year-end passenger totals for 2017. 290,834 total passengers used RST in 2017, a 27 percent increase over 2016.

In 2017, RST offered new flight options with United Airlines launching Chicago O’Hare service and Delta Air Lines increasing frequency on routes to Atlanta and Minneapolis. American Airlines continues to serve RST with daily flights to Chicago O’Hare.

RST officials will continue to push for increased flights and are working to gain service to a major western hub such as Dallas or Denver. The airport is not recruiting that service alone. Eighty-six local businesses and organizations, including Mayo Clinic, have adopted policies to “Fly Local”. RST is the airport of choice for “Fly Local” supporting organizations.

“There is enormous potential for continued growth at RST,” said John Reed, Executive Director of Rochester International Airport. “With ongoing support from our region we will be successful in retaining these new flights and recruiting more service.”

RST is also undergoing a one-year terminal upgrade project. The $12 million project will relocate US Customs to the main terminal building to meet current Department of Homeland Security requirements. The project also includes TSA checkpoint expansion, restroom additions and other facility updates to extend the life of the building. The anticipated project completion is spring 2018.

Increased transportation options are critical in southeastern Minnesota as the Destination Medical Center (DMC) initiative expands. DMC is Mayo Clinic’s unique 20-year economic development initiative. The $5.6 billion plan is the largest public-private economic initiative in Minnesota’s history. With the expansion of Mayo Clinic and DMC growth, Rochester will be a global destination for health and wellness.