LEXINGTON, Ky. — Blue Grass Airport set a new passenger record in 2025, welcoming 1,614,053 travelers, according to an announcement from the airport. The figure represents a 2.7 percent increase from the previous year and marks the second consecutive year the airport has broken its own passenger record.

The record-breaking performance is driven by expanded airline service and renewed routes to popular destinations. Delta Air Lines returned year-round service to New York LaGuardia in 2025 for the first time since early 2020, while Allegiant added non-stop flights to Sarasota/Bradenton in April. United Airlines also expanded its Chicago service to a fifth daily flight, complementing existing routes to Denver.

"These record passenger numbers reflect the trust placed in LEX and its airline partners, and that support makes a real difference," said Eric Frankl, president and CEO of Blue Grass Airport. "When you fly from Lexington, it helps secure more flights, more destinations and a stronger future for air service in central and southeastern Kentucky."

To accommodate the growing passenger volume, Blue Grass Airport is undertaking a $17.8 million parking expansion that began in May 2025. The project will add 815 new long-term parking spaces and is expected to be completed in late spring 2026. Improvements include a second covered walkway to the terminal, a new exit plaza with upgraded parking technology, and additional exit lanes.

The airport's growth continues beyond 2025. United Airlines will bring larger aircraft to Lexington starting in May 2026, upgrading its Denver service to an Airbus A319 with 126 seats—adding more than 50 seats per day. The airline will also increase Chicago flights to up to seven daily flights during peak summer travel periods.

Airport officials also plan additional infrastructure improvements. Crews are working on a long-term project to modernize the terminal, add gates and improve passenger amenities, with a planned 15-gate configuration under development.