The Colorado Springs Airport (COS) closed off 2024 on a high, marking a significant increase in enrolled passengers with the number reaching 1,239,094 for the year, edging past 2023's record count, as reported by the City of Colorado Springs. COS witnessed a growth of over five percent over the previous year, and the average load factor, a metric revealing how full the flights are ticked up modestly to 81.4 percent.
In the recent update, though December saw a slight dip in traffic with a 2.6 percent decrease compared to the same month in 2023 and a marginal 0.9 percent decrease in seating availability, COS Director of Aviation Greg Phillips remains optimistic. "It's no secret that the airport had a strong year last year, and we continue to exceed our enplanement numbers. It's a fantastic way to close out the year, and with new flights being added, we're forecasting similar success for 2025,” said Phillips, as per City of Colorado Springs.
COS also expanded its reach last year as Southwest Airlines announced an international route to Cancun, a move complemented by the construction of a new Federal Inspection Services facility anticipated to be completed before the service's June launch. In addition, Allegiant Airlines is upping the airport's game by introducing three new routes starting February 2025, signaling a promising trajectory for local air travel.
Reflecting a broadening of destinations, the nonstop route updates present a range of options. Allegiant's flights connect COS to Phoenix/Mesa, Santa Ana/Orange County, and St. Petersburg/Tampa, a development keen travelers are sure to welcome. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines bolster the options with an array of destinations ranging from Atlanta to Chicago, and even a weekly escapade to Cancun starting June 7, as detailed by the City of Colorado Springs.
