The Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) marked another year of success in 2025 including celebrating its third busiest year for passenger traffic following its top two record years in 2023 and 2024. Last year, 4.59 million total passengers flew in or out of SDF with Sunday, May 4, 2025 (the day after the Kentucky Derby) serving as the airport’s busiest day yet with 18,500 departing seats.
In 2025, a total of 19 nonstop routes increased their capacity throughout the year while eight of these were by double-digits. Eight airlines continue providing service to more than 40 nonstop destinations from Louisville, including last year’s launch of service to Nashville (BNA) on Southwest Airlines that provides convenient connections to more than 75 cities across the country.
“Passenger figures remained consistently strong throughout last year,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, which owns and operates SDF. “To experience three consecutive years of record-setting growth, all of which mark the highest passenger totals in SDF’s history is a testament to the community’s support and the robust air service options available to travelers at our airport.”
SDF Next Program Investment
Progress continues on the SDF Next Program, a comprehensive capital improvement initiative that will see more than $1 billion invested in the airfield and Jerry E. Abramson Terminal. To date, more than $364 million in projects have been completed with more than $565 million in additional investment expected between now and 2028.
Terminal highlights from 2025 include progress on the new security checkpoint expansion, a 30,000 square feet addition with 10 passenger screening lanes that will house the latest technology is scheduled to be operational by early 2027. On the airfield, the first phase of Taxiway B reconstruction was completed along with various electrical upgrades and pavement rehabilitation to areas of SDF’s runways and taxiways.
Looking ahead to 2026 in the terminal, nearly $70 million in significant improvements to the post-security area along Concourses A and B just recently kicked off that include mechanical upgrades, skylight replacement and an overhaul of all gate waiting areas. On the airfield, reconstruction of both Taxiways B and D are expected, totaling $40 million in investment to improve operational efficiencies for aircraft.
Global Leader in Cargo
Cargo operations at SDF remained strong last year as home of UPS Worldport, the center point of their global air network. The airport also set another record for its busiest year for cargo operations with nearly 7.5 billion pounds of cargo handled in 2025, besting the previous year by more than 13%. With this record, it’s believed that SDF will likely be the no. 1 busiest airport for cargo operations in North America and remain within the Top 5 in the world. Airports Council International World is expected to release its preliminary World Airport Traffic Report in the Spring with updated rankings for 2025.
An Economic Engine for the State
The Airport Authority including SDF and Bowman Field, the crucial general aviation reliever airport for the community, continue to be the no. 1 economic powerhouse for aviation in the state. Each year, airport and airport-related activities generate $12.8 billion in economic impact and $550 million in state and local tax revenue, or $1 in every $6 in Louisville Metro tax revenue. Plus, nearly 90,000 jobs – or 1 in 8 jobs in Louisville Metro – can be attributed to airport operations.
“SDF is leading the way for our community, our region and the state,” added Mann. “We continue to be a major economic driver, global leader in cargo operations and set new passenger records. We are well positioned to continue this momentum into 2026 for another successful year.”
Click here to view the presentation, Defying Expectations, from Executive Director Dan Mann as part of his annual Year-End Briefing on February 5, 2026.
Click here for the SDF Fact Sheet.
