PIA Enters New Era Following Record-Breaking 2025

PIA Enters New Era Following Record-Breaking 2025

Peoria, IL - General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA) has officially entered a new era, closing out the most successful year in its history and reaffirming its growing role as a critical economic and transportation asset for Central Illinois.

Finalized passenger numbers confirm December 2025 set a new monthly record with 70,672 passengers, helping propel PIA to an all-time annual high of 812,396 total passengers. That figure represents an 18.15% increase over 2024 and surpasses the airport's previous pre-pandemic record set in 2019 by nearly 18%-a milestone once thought years away.

In total, PIA set passenger records in 15 of the past 17 months, marking the strongest and most sustained growth period the airport has experienced in more than two decades (excluding pandemic years). For a non-hub airport, this level of consistent growth signals more than a rebound-it reflects a fundamental shift in demand, service, and regional reliance.

"This moment represents far more than a record number," said Gene Olson, Director of Airports for the Metropolitan Airport Authority of Peoria. "PIA today is not the airport it was 30 years ago-or even 15 years ago. We have evolved alongside our community, and these numbers confirm that Central Illinois is choosing to fly through PIA! This is a new era for our airport and for the region we serve."

Throughout history, PIA has continually adapted-modernizing facilities, expanding airline partnerships, and responding to changing travel needs. The past decade alone has seen significant transformation, but the momentum of the past two years marks a turning point. The airport has not only recovered what was lost during the pandemic-it has surpassed it.

That growth carries tangible benefits for the community. Increased passenger traffic supports airline expansion, strengthens regional business connectivity, and drives millions of dollars in local economic impact-from tourism and hospitality to construction and infrastructure investment.

Looking ahead, PIA is actively planning for continued growth. As Phase 1 of the Air Traffic Control Tower project nears completion, Phase 2 is scheduled to begin in May, representing a $25.5 million local investment. Additionally, Taxiway Alpha rehabilitation is slated to begin this spring with an estimated cost of $9.3 million, further enhancing airfield safety and efficiency. To address increased passenger demand, plans are also underway for a new parking facility along Dirksen Parkway, easing current constraints and allowing for future expansion.

"These projects are a direct response to the community's support," Olson added. "Record passengers demand record planning. We are building an airport not just for today, but for the future." As PIA moves forward, one thing is clear: the airport is no longer defined by where it has been, but by where it is going. With unprecedented passenger demand, transformative infrastructure investment, and renewed regional confidence, Peoria International Airport has entered a new era-and it's just getting started.

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