Lincoln Airport Passenger Numbers Up Slightly in 2016

Commercial airline passenger traffic at the Lincoln Airport (LincolnAirport.com) grew by 1 percent in 2016, the fourth consecutive year of growth. A total of 320,586 passengers traveled through Lincoln on United Airlines and Delta Air Lines. When charter flights were added in, a total of 330,020 passengers flew in and out of the Lincoln Airport, about 4,000 more than in 2015.

Passenger numbers grew by 4 percent on United Airlines, which flies to Chicago and Denver. Delta Air Lines served 2 percent fewer travelers in Lincoln, following significant increases the past 2 years. In 2014 and 2015 growth on Delta was largely fueled by new direct service to Atlanta, which started in September 2014. Delta also flies direct to Minneapolis. David Haring, executive director of the Lincoln Airport, says local demand remained strong but outside factors such as pilot shortage contributed to Delta’s declining numbers.”

On the other hand, Haring said United boosted service to Denver and Chicago over the summer by upgrading to larger planes on those routes. Haring says his conversations with United and Delta officials haven’t raised any red flags regarding future service.

“The Lincoln market is performing as expected. Our passenger count stabilized this year, but flights leaving Lincoln average 81 to 88 percent full, which is good,” said Haring.

Haring says similar-sized airports could lose flights as airlines shift to larger planes, while reducing their overall flight schedules. But he’s hopeful about prospects for additional service in Lincoln. “We are aggressively pursuing opportunities to add more flights from the Lincoln Airport, and the feedback we’re getting is encouraging,” said Haring. “Support from area travelers has made the Lincoln Airport more attractive for airlines.”

Travelers can find the latest updates on flight schedules, information on parking and airport services, and the LNK vs. OMA cost comparison tool at LincolnAirport.com.