15 January 2025

The number of people using the Southwest Oregon Regional Airport to reach their travel destinations continued to grow in 2024 setting a new 13-year record. Just under 42 thousand passengers arrived or departed OTH in 2024. The increase indicated air travel for the holiday season followed trends predicted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and AAA. Both predicted increases that would set new records to close out the year in 2024. AAA expected the Christmas air travel record to surpass the previous record of 7.5 million air travelers last year. It also shows that travelers utilized extra days United provided to travel through San Francisco around the holidays.

The record is great news for the airport especially when the priority of the airport district board is increasing flight opportunities for local and regional travelers. The announcement of the 2024 record-breaking year comes just as United announced seasonal Denver flights would increase from two to seven days a week from May through October.  OTH to and from  SFO is available year-round but typically is limited to four days a week from November to April. That will also increase to seven days a week in April. United's announcement about increased route opportunities helps as airport administrators continue negotiations with airlines seeking opportunities for a northern route, such as Portland.