FLETCHER, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville Regional Airport recorded its second-busiest year on record in 2025, serving 2,240,877 passengers despite weather disruptions and ongoing construction, airport officials said.

The total trails only 2023, when the airport handled 2,246,411 passengers. Officials said the 2025 figures reflect continued demand for air travel in Western North Carolina, even after impacts from Hurricane Helene and major terminal expansion work.

“Reaching 2.24 million passengers in 2025 in the wake of unexpected impacts and major construction is a tremendous accomplishment,” Lew Bleiweis, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Asheville Regional Airport Authority, said in a statement. “The region has moved forward with resilience and so has its airport.”

Passenger totals have climbed steadily in recent years, rising from 1,428,266 in 2021 to 1,838,793 in 2022 before reaching a record 2,246,411 in 2023. Traffic dipped slightly to 2,174,125 in 2024 before rebounding in 2025.

Airport officials said growth was fueled in part by expanded air service, including additional nonstop routes and increased seat capacity on existing flights. Five airlines — Allegiant, American, Delta, Sun Country and United — serve the airport, offering nonstop service to 26 destinations. Additional frequency and capacity increases are planned in 2026.

The airport is also in the midst of its largest infrastructure investment to date, a terminal expansion project known as AVL Forward. Officials said the project is designed to accommodate long-term growth and enhance the passenger experience.

Airport leaders said the facility remains a key economic driver for the region, supporting jobs, tourism and business development across western North Carolina.