Central Nebraska Regional Airport Announces Record-Breaking Year

Hear an interview with Mike Olson.

Grand Island, Neb. – Central Nebraska Regional Airport (CNRA) reported a total of 75,920 enplanements for 2025, making it the largest year on record for the airport. The previous record occurred in 2019 with a total of 71,207 enplanements.

The airport ended 2025 with a record high for December as well with 7,466 enplanements. This was the largest month ever for Central Nebraska Regional Airport.

Mike Olson, Hall County Airport Authority Executive Director, said, “A big ‘thank you’ to the 75,920 passengers that utilized the Central Nebraska Regional Airport in 2025! The additional seats our airline partners (Allegiant Air and American Eagle) provided were instrumental in achieving the record.”

Allegiant Air added a third flight each week from Grand Island (GRI) to Mesa Gateway (AZA) in December 2024 which prompted record breaking numbers nine out of twelve months for 2025. Also lending to high enplanement numbers was American Airlines, operated by SkyWest, which issued  larger jets to service GRI to Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW) in September 2025. The upgrade to a CRJ900 jet allows 10 more passengers per flight. This includes 12 first-class seats and 63 main cabin seats.

Central Nebraska Regional Airport had a significant year beyond enplanements. In June 2025, the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation and Chamber of Commerce named CNRA Business of the Year. The airport recently finished a 113-unit self-storage facility with additional space outside for RV and boat parking. Future plans include expanding the Passenger Terminal and adding a second Passenger Jet Bridge.

Allegiant Air flies twice weekly out of Grand Island to Las Vegas (LAS) and Mesa (AZA). American Airlines flies twice daily to Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW) allowing Grand Island area residents access to almost anywhere in the world from the Central Nebraska Regional Airport.

To purchase flights for your next getaway to Mesa, Las Vegas, or Dallas/Ft. Worth and beyond, visit FlyGrandIsland.com. Follow on Facebook and Instagram.