Lexington, Kentucky, February 3, 2026
Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky has set a new record, welcoming over 1.6 million travelers in 2025. This marks a 2.7% increase from the previous year’s record, driven by year-round service to New York LaGuardia and new non-stop flights to Sarasota/Bradenton. Infrastructure improvements, including parking expansion and future terminal plans, are also underway to support this growth. The airport continues to serve as a vital hub for the region, highlighting its economic vitality and demand for air travel services.
Blue Grass Airport Achieves Record Passenger Numbers in 2025
Lexington, Kentucky – Blue Grass Airport (LEX) has set a new passenger record for the second consecutive year, welcoming over 1.6 million travelers in 2025. This milestone reflects a 2.7% increase from the previous record of 1,571,805 passengers set in 2024.
Key Factors Contributing to the Record
The significant growth in passenger numbers can be attributed to several key developments:
- Year-Round Service to New York LaGuardia Airport: Delta Air Lines resumed daily flights to New York LaGuardia Airport in May 2025, marking the return of this service since early 2020.
- New Non-Stop Flights to Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport: Allegiant introduced twice-weekly flights between Lexington and Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport in April 2025, offering passengers a new beach vacation option.
- Expansion of Chicago Schedule: United Airlines added a fifth daily flight to Chicago, enhancing connectivity and providing passengers with more flexibility.
Infrastructure Enhancements to Support Growth
To accommodate the increasing passenger volume, Blue Grass Airport has initiated significant infrastructure improvements:
- Parking Expansion: Construction began in May 2025 to add 815 long-term parking spaces, including a second covered walkway to the terminal and a new exit plaza with additional lanes for quicker departures.
- Terminal Expansion Plans: The airport is planning to expand its terminal within the next 10 years to further enhance passenger experience and capacity.
Background Context
Blue Grass Airport serves as a vital transportation hub for central and eastern Kentucky, offering flights to various domestic and international destinations. The airport’s growth in passenger numbers underscores the region’s economic vitality and the increasing demand for air travel services.
FAQs
- What was the passenger count at Blue Grass Airport in 2025?
- Over 1.6 million travelers, marking a 2.7% increase from the previous record set in 2024.
- Which airlines contributed to the record passenger numbers?
- Delta Air Lines, Allegiant, and United Airlines played significant roles in achieving the record.
- What infrastructure improvements are planned to accommodate the growth?
- The airport is expanding parking facilities, including adding 815 long-term parking spaces and planning a terminal expansion within the next 10 years.
| Year | Passenger Count | Percentage Increase |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1,571,805 | – |
| 2025 | Over 1.6 million | 2.7% |
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Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
