News Release: MidAmerica St. Louis Airport Soars in 2025 with Record Travel, New Route and Major Investments

MASCOUTAH, Ill. (Jan. 21, 2026) – MidAmerica St. Louis Airport closed out 2025 with unprecedented success, marking another year of growth fueled by record-setting passenger numbers, expanded nonstop flight options and significant infrastructure advancements. As demand for convenient, affordable travel continues to surge, MidAmerica has solidified its role as a premier transportation hub for the Metro East and the greater St. Louis region.

From the start of the year, MidAmerica set the pace for success. March marked the first new monthly passenger record, and that momentum carried through the year with six additional months achieving new highs. July became the busiest month in the airport’s history, welcoming approximately 57,000 travelers. Overall, passenger traffic soared 25.3% over 2024, reaching more than 384,000 passengers — a milestone that also represents an 18% increase over 2022, the previous record-holder at 326,000 passengers. This remarkable growth underscores MidAmerica’s continued rise as a key regional gateway for leisure travelers.

The airport continued to broaden its route network in 2025, offering nonstop flights year-round or seasonally to a wide range of sought-after destinations. The newest addition was a twice-weekly service to Gulf Shores, Alabama, which launched with its inaugural flight on May 23. Other popular destinations include Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda, Jacksonville, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Orlando/Sanford, Sarasota/Bradenton, Savannah and Tampa Bay/St. Pete.

“The numbers for 2025 reveal travelers are increasingly choosing MidAmerica St. Louis Airport for its unmatched convenience and value,” said Darren James, Director of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. “We’re thrilled to keep expanding our route network while advancing major infrastructure projects, including the new General Aviation Facility and Federal Inspection Station that will open the door to international commercial service and attract even more carriers in the future.”

The new 25,277-square-foot Federal Inspection Station building is the latest in a series of strategic expansions designed to accommodate rising passenger volumes and enhance operational efficiency. Its embedded General Aviation Facility is projected to open in early spring 2026 with the capability to serve international flights of up to 20 passengers, while the Federal Inspection Station itself remains on track for completion in spring 2027. These improvements build on the airport’s $34 million terminal expansion completed in 2023, which nearly doubled its size and introduced modern amenities to elevate the traveler experience.

This past year also was a milestone year for MidAmerica St. Louis Airport’s growing aviation business park, as work was completed on Boeing’s new $200 million, 300,000-square-foot production facility. The facility is home to manufacturing operations for the MQ-25 Stingray — the U.S. Navy’s first operational, carrier-based unmanned aerial refueling aircraft — which is expected to make its first test flight in Q1 of 2026.

Progress also advanced on the $97 million, 5.2-mile MetroLink extension from the Shiloh-Scott Transit Center to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. The project includes a new MetroLink station adjacent to the terminal and a 2.4-mile frontage road, creating a direct connection to St. Louis Lambert International Airport and improving accessibility for both travelers and employees of the various tenants at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. As construction nears completion and testing is set to begin in the coming weeks, the targeted June 2026 opening will mark a major step toward improved regional connectivity.

“The growth and development at and around MidAmerica St. Louis Airport continue to deliver tremendous benefits for the region,” said St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern. “The airport, together with Scott Air Force Base and onsite tenants, supports more than 23,000 jobs and drives $3.1 billion in economic impact for the bi-state St. Louis area. Recent expansions and ongoing projects will further strengthen that impact, ensuring MidAmerica remains a vital part of the region’s dynamic aviation landscape.”

Beyond growth and investment, the airport also served as the host site for the inaugural Southern Plane Pull competition in May, presented by the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) and Special Olympics Illinois. The event united teams of men and women who put their strength and teamwork to the test by pulling a 44,000-pound GoJet aircraft, raising crucial funds to support Special Olympics Illinois athletes.

To learn more about MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, visit flymidamerica.com.  

About MidAmerica St. Louis Airport    

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is located in Mascoutah, Illinois, in the eastern portion of the St. Louis metropolitan area. Passenger service to a variety of popular destinations is offered by Allegiant. Major multimodal rail and inland port centers are located within 22 miles of the airport, which also enjoys easy access to five interstate highways via I-64. With parallel runways of 8,000 and 10,000 feet, the airport can handle simultaneous take-offs and landings in all conditions, minimizing delays. It has an annual capacity of 200,000 operations. Tenants include Boeing, which has a manufacturing facility at the airport and North Bay Produce, an international, grower-owned, year-round, fresh produce marketing and distribution cooperative headquartered in Traverse City, Mich. MidAmerica is a Joint Use Airport partnering with Scott AFB, the home to US Transportation Command, a multi service organization, and Air Mobility Command, the USAF’s component command for airlift. MidAmerica and the 375th Air Mobility Wing operate Scott AFB/MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.     

Media Contact:   
Merisa Ashbaugh  

Merisa@HauserGroupPR.com

Allegiant Airlines Begins Service from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport to Gulf Shores

By Carmelo Turdo

Allegiant Airlines launched their service from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport to Gulf Shores, AL on May 23. The full Airbus A320-214 pulled back on time from Gate 3, taxied out under a water cannon salute provided by the MidAmerica Airport Fire Department, and took off at 2:32 P.M. from runway 32R. 

Passengers were treated to refreshments and a commemorative luggage tag before the flight, the twelfth nonstop destination served by Allegiant Airlines from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. Gulf Shores will be served twice weekly - Monday and Friday - with fares in the $45 range. Both Allegiant and the airport are celebrating this new service as part of a route strategy linking underserved communities across the Midwest and Southeastern U.S. 

"We look forward to connecting passengers in Belleville to Gulf Shores, Alabama. Our brand of all-nonstop flights at unbeatable value continues to resonate with customers," said Drew Wells, Allegiant's Chief Commercial Officer, in a news release. "This region has been overlooked by other carriers, and we are thrilled to open the door to new vacation options for travelers. Allegiant is committed to providing budget-friendly options that allow our passengers to customize their dream vacation.” 

"I am absolutely excited to have a new location for our passengers to travel to," Darren James, Director of MidAmerica Airport, told The Aero Experience before the flight left the gate. "Destin is one of the most popular locations out of our airport, Gulf Shores being right next door, I know it's a very popular destination for St. Louis folks...We were fortunate to add Knoxville last year, we've added Gulf Shores this year. So back to twelve nonstop destinations out of our airport. And we continue to talk to them [Allegiant] about new destinations."

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is continuously growing beyond its original footprint as the civilian side of the joint-use airport adjacent to Scott AFB. It is now home to the Boeing St. Clair production facility along with AVMATS and other airport tenants. A 42,000 square foot terminal expansion was opened in June of 2023 for additional TSA lanes and passenger holding areas for Allegiant Airlines. Two additional passenger boarding bridges were added and the concession space was remodeled. A future apron expansion project will add three parking spaces to the terminal. 

Currently, Director Darren James anticipates the opening of a new general aviation facility, which will include a federal inspection station for international flights and services for private aircraft owners, by the end of the year. The Aero Experience will have more coverage of this project later in the summer.

Allegiant's inaugural flight to Gulf Shores is commemorated below:

The Aero Experience thanks MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, Allegiant Airlines and everyone who contributed to making this new route service a reality.

News Release: March Passenger Traffic at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport Soars to New Record

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                       

Media Contact:  

Merisa Ashbaugh 

Merisa@hausergrouppr.com 

 

MARCH PASSENGER TRAFFIC AT MIDAMERICA ST. LOUIS AIRPORT SOARS TO NEW RECORD WITH MORE THAN 40,000 PASSENGERS SERVED

           

MASCOUTAH, Ill. (April 24, 2025) – MidAmerica St. Louis Airport today announced a new record of more than 40,000 passengers served during the month of March, continuing an overall trend of positive passenger growth. The airport saw a 47% increase in passenger traffic compared to March 2024, when 27,000 passengers traveled through its terminal. This noteworthy milestone in passenger growth also marks a 23% increase from March 2022, which held the previous record of more than 32,000 passengers.

 

“The sustained growth at MidAmerica Airport is very exciting and it’s due to numerous factors,” said St. Clair County Chairman Mark Kern. “Passengers can count on easy access from Interstate 64, hassle-free parking and efficient airport and security operations, and they appreciate Allegiant’s strong route network serving several popular vacation spots at affordable rates.”

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport offers nonstop flights year-round or on a seasonal basis to a host of popular destinations, including Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda, Gulf Shores, Jacksonville, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, Orlando/Sanford, Sarasota/Bradenton, Savannah, and Tampa Bay/St. Pete. Departures increased by 56% in March of this year compared to 2024, and with the new non-stop flights to Gulf Shores launching May 23, airport leadership is expecting a record-breaking summer ahead.

 

“This is a significant achievement for our airport, particularly as travel demand continues to grow and more people seek out new leisure destinations,” said Darren James, Director of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. “We are excited to continue to add new routes and also are enthusiastic about the progress being made on our new General Aviation Facility and Federal Inspection Station which will enable the airport to attract additional aircraft and airlines and pave the way for the processing of international commercial flights.”

 

The new 25,277-square-foot facility is the latest development in a series of expansion and modification projects made at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport over the past few years to accommodate continuing passenger enplanement growth. A $34 million terminal expansion completed in June 2023 nearly doubled the size of the existing terminal and included a variety of amenities to enhance the experience for those traveling through the airport. An additional $37.7 million investment added nearly 3,100 linear feet of new Taxiway Lima pavement and a new Taxiway Bridge over Crooked Creek that was completed in the same summer. The project provided airfield access to an aviation business park on the south side of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport that is anchored by Boeing’s new $200 million, 300,000-square-foot production facility. There the company will begin building the MQ-25 Stingray, the Navy’s first operational, carrier-based, unmanned, aerial refueling aircraft in the coming months.

 

To learn more about MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, visit flymidamerica.com.

 

About MidAmerica St. Louis Airport   

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is located in Mascoutah, Illinois, in the eastern portion of the St. Louis metropolitan area. Passenger service to a variety of popular destinations is offered by Allegiant. Major multimodal rail and inland port centers are located within 22 miles of the airport, which also enjoys easy access to five interstate highways via I-64.  With parallel runways of 8,000 and 10,000 feet, the airport can handle simultaneous take-offs and landings in all conditions, minimizing delays. It has an annual capacity of 200,000 operations. Tenants include Boeing, which has a manufacturing facility at the airport and North Bay Produce, an international, grower-owned, year-round, fresh produce marketing and distribution cooperative headquartered in Traverse City, Mich. MidAmerica is a Joint Use Airport partnering with Scott AFB, the home to US Transportation Command, a multi service organization, and Air Mobility Command, the USAF’s component command for airlift. MidAmerica and the 375th Air Mobility Wing operate Scott AFB/MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.     

(MidAmerica St. Louis Airport photo)

News Release: Allegiant Adds Nonstop Service to Gulf Shores/Orange Beach from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport

Service to Gulf Shores area will begin in May 2025

MASCOUTAH, ILL., Nov. 27, 2024 — MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) has announced that Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is adding new, nonstop service between the Mascoutah, Ill.-based airport and Gulf Shores International Airport (GUF), providing individuals with direct access to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama. Beginning May 23, 2025, flights between the two airports will be offered twice weekly – on Mondays and Fridays. The new route marks the only nonstop service currently available between St. Louis and Gulf Shores. 

“The new service to Gulf Shores will kick off just as the busy summer travel season gets underway and will be a perfect complement to the other existing, low-cost flights BLV’s leisure travelers have come to rely on,” said St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern. “Connecting the St. Louis area to the popular beach vacation destination will be a benefit for local travelers who appreciate the hassle-free experience of flying from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.”

The new route between BLV and GUF will be the 12^th nonstop destination currently available via MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and the first destination in Alabama offered by Allegiant from the St. Louis region. Other nonstop destinations currently served by Allegiant out of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport –either year-round or seasonally – include Las Vegas; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Savannah, Ga.; and Knoxville, Tenn.; as well as the Florida destinations of Jacksonville, Ft. Lauderdale, Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, Sanford/Orlando, Sarasota/Bradenton, Punta Gorda/Ft. Myers and St. Pete/Tampa.

“We are constantly looking to increase the number of destinations and flights available to our leisure travelers and are thrilled to now offer nonstop service to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Alabama,” said Darren James, director of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. “In addition to the new route, Allegiant’s seasonal service between BLV and the popular travel destinations of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Savannah, Ga., will also be available again starting in May.”

Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found at flyMidAmerica.com or AllegiantAir.com.

About MidAmerica St. Louis Airport 

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is located in Mascoutah, Illinois, in the eastern portion of the St. Louis metropolitan area. Passenger service to a variety of popular destinations is offered by Allegiant. Major multimodal rail and inland port centers are located within 22 miles of the airport, which also enjoys easy access to five interstate highways via I-64.  With parallel runways of 8,000 and 10,000 feet, the airport can handle simultaneous take-offs and landings in all conditions, minimizing delays. It has an annual capacity of 200,000 operations. Tenants include Boeing, which has a manufacturing facility at the airport and North Bay Produce, an international, grower-owned, year-round, fresh produce marketing and distribution cooperative headquartered in Traverse City, Mich. MidAmerica is a Joint Use Airport partnering with Scott AFB, the home to US Transportation Command, a multi service organization, and Air Mobility Command, the USAF’s component command for airlift. MidAmerica and the 375th Air Mobility Wing operate Scott AFB/MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.

Contact:

Pamela Powell, The Hauser Group, Inc.

314-436-9090

News Release: Allegiant Begins Non-Stop Service from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport to Knoxville, TN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE         

Contact: Pamela Powell, 314-436-9090

ALLEGIANT’S NONSTOP SERVICE FROM MIDAMERICA ST. LOUIS AIRPORT TO
KNOXVILLE AND THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS BEGINS JUNE 13

 

MASCOUTAH, Ill., June 11, 2024 — MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) is pleased to announce that new, nonstop service by Allegiant between BLV and McGhee Tyson Airport in Acola, Tenn. (TYS), will begin on Thursday, June 13. The new route was announced earlier this year and will provide individuals with direct access to Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains. Flights between the two airports will be offered twice weekly – on Sundays and Thursdays. The new route marks the only nonstop service currently available between St. Louis and Knoxville in the St. Louis region.

“Knoxville is a great addition to the existing low-cost flights offered by Allegiant from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and will connect passengers to a region not previously served by BLV,” said St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern. “We know passengers will appreciate having convenient, nonstop access to this popular destination while still benefiting from the hassle-free experience of flying from BLV.”

The new route between BLV and TYS is the 11^th nonstop destination offered by Allegiant via MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and the first destination in Tennessee. Other destinations include Ft. Lauderdale, Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, Jacksonville, Sanford/Orlando, Sarasota/Bradenton, Punta Gorda/Ft. Myers and St. Pete/Tampa in Florida, as well as Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Savannah, Ga.

“We are continually working to increase the number of flights and destinations for our leisure travelers, and given that we are in the midst of our busiest travel season of the year, the timing of this service rollout couldn’t be better,” said Darren James, director of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. “We are excited to offer this nonstop option to area travelers looking for a low-cost, convenient way to experience the city of Knoxville and Great Smoky Mountain National Park.” 

Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found at FlyMidAmerica.com or AllegiantAir.com.

For more information about MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, visit FlyMidAmerica.com or follow the airport on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

 

About MidAmerica St. Louis Airport 

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is located in Mascoutah, Illinois, in the eastern portion of the St. Louis metropolitan area. Passenger service to a variety of popular destinations is offered by Allegiant. Major multimodal rail and inland port centers are located within 22 miles of the airport, which also enjoys easy access to five interstate highways via I-64.  With parallel runways of 8,000 and 10,000 feet, the airport can handle simultaneous take-offs and landings in all conditions, minimizing delays. It has an annual capacity of 200,000 operations. Tenants include Boeing, which has a manufacturing facility at the airport and North Bay Produce, an international, grower-owned, year-round, fresh produce marketing and distribution cooperative headquartered in Traverse City, Mich. MidAmerica is a Joint Use Airport partnering with Scott AFB, the home to US Transportation Command, a multi service organization, and Air Mobility Command, the USAF’s component command for airlift. MidAmerica and the 375th Air Mobility Wing operate Scott AFB/MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.   

Press Release: Allegiant Adds Nonstop Service to Knoxville from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE           

Contact:

Pamela Powell

314-436-9090

 

ALLEGIANT ADDING NONSTOP SERVICE TO KNOXVILLE FROM MIDAMERICA ST. LOUIS AIRPORT

Service to Knoxville will begin in June 2024

MASCOUTAH, ILL., Feb. 15, 2024 — MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) today announced that Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is adding new, nonstop service between the Mascoutah, Ill.-based airport and McGhee Tyson Airport in Acola, Tenn. (TYS), providing individuals with direct access to Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains. Beginning June 13, flights between the two airports will be offered twice weekly – on Sundays and Thursdays. The new route marks the only nonstop service currently available between St. Louis and Knoxville. 

“Knoxville is a terrific complement to the other existing low-cost flights offered by Allegiant out of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, and we’re confident passengers will appreciate the added choice as much as they appreciate the hassle-free experience of flying from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport,” said St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern.

The new route between BLV and TYS will be the 11^th nonstop destination currently available via MidAmerica St. Louis Airport and the first destination in Tennessee offered by Allegiant from the St. Louis region. Other nonstop destinations currently served by Allegiant out of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport include Ft. Lauderdale, Destin/Ft. Walton Beach, Jacksonville, Sanford/Orlando, Sarasota/Bradenton, Punta Gorda/Ft. Myers and St. Pete/Tampa in Florida, as well as the destinations of Las Vegas, Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Savannah, Ga.

“The new service to Knoxville is a great addition to the routes currently available,” said Darren James, director of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport. “We know area travelers will enjoy having a friendly, low-cost, convenient option for travel to the city of Knoxville and Great Smoky Mountain National Park.”

Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found at flyMidAmerica.com or AllegiantAir.com.

About MidAmerica St. Louis Airport 

MidAmerica St. Louis Airport is located in Mascoutah, Illinois, in the eastern portion of the St. Louis metropolitan area. Passenger service to a variety of popular destinations is offered by Allegiant. Major multimodal rail and inland port centers are located within 22 miles of the airport, which also enjoys easy access to five interstate highways via I-64.  With parallel runways of 8,000 and 10,000 feet, the airport can handle simultaneous take-offs and landings in all conditions, minimizing delays. It has an annual capacity of 200,000 operations. Tenants include Boeing, which has a manufacturing facility at the airport and North Bay Produce, an international, grower-owned, year-round, fresh produce marketing and distribution cooperative headquartered in Traverse City, Mich. MidAmerica is a Joint Use Airport partnering with Scott AFB, the home to US Transportation Command, a multi service organization, and Air Mobility Command, the USAF’s component command for airlift. MidAmerica and the 375th Air Mobility Wing operate Scott AFB/MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.