MidAmerica Airport Set for Major Expansion Amid Soaring Passenger Traffic

Fort Walton Beach, Florida, USA - Travelers looking for a convenient and enjoyable travel experience have a gem in MidAmerica Airport, nestled in Belleville, Illinois. Known for its accessibility and efficient operations, this airport is busy making a name for itself, recently celebrating some impressive milestones.

MidAmerica Airport reached new heights with a record of over 40,000 passengers in March 2025, marking a hefty 47% increase from March 2024, which recorded 27,000 passengers. This surge is a clear indicator of the recovery from travel disruptions caused by the pandemic, showcasing the airport’s appeal. The airport’s management notes that easy access from Interstate 64 and hassle-free parking contribute significantly to its increasing passenger numbers. St. Clair County Chairman Mark Kern emphasizes the importance of these features, which make leaving home much less of a headache compared to larger airports.

Continued Growth and Expansion

Introducing exciting changes, MidAmerica Airport is also in the midst of a significant expansion project designed to enhance the travel experience even further. A major terminal expansion was completed in June 2023, effectively doubling the terminal size to a spacious 42,000 square feet, coinciding perfectly with an influx of expected travelers. The new additions include improvements to security screening, boarding bridges, and a general overhaul of passenger amenities.

A newly underway 25,277-square-foot General Aviation Facility is set to attract more international flights, aimed at accommodating larger groups. Currently, only Allegiant Airlines provides commercial flights from MidAmerica, but plans are in motion to expand available destinations, targeting international spots like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the Caribbean. Notably, MidAmerica Airport has recently been permitted to operate international flights for groups of 20 or more, preparing for a new wave of travelers.

Future Prospects and Community Impact

The airport isn’t just expanding for its own sake; it’s also anticipated to provide economic benefits and new job opportunities for the surrounding community. This growth is timely as the airport celebrated a total of 163,210 passengers in 2022, a slight increase of nearly 2,000 over 2021. Furthermore, with expected rising numbers — a projected 20% increase in traffic for 2025 following a record 303,000 passengers in 2024 — MidAmerica Airport is gearing up for a busy future.

In addition to increasing passenger traffic, the airport is making strides in infrastructure. There’s a $37.7 million investment into expanding Taxiway Lima, which will include new pavement and a bridge over Crooked Creek, setting the stage for future aviation business development. The introduction of new nonstop flights to various sunny spots, including Gulf Shores, slated to launch on May 23, 2025, further emphasizes the airport’s commitment to growth.

MidAmerica is classified as a non-hub primary airport, positioning itself as a unique choice for niche travel compared to larger operations like St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Such strategic positioning, combined with the airport’s focus on customer satisfaction, is a recipe for success as it continues to make strides in passenger service and community engagement.

The hustle and bustle of MidAmerica Airport is expected to grow even more in the coming years, keeping locals thrilled and travelers delighted. With these incredible developments, it’s clear that there’s a lot to look forward to at MidAmerica Airport.

For more details, check out the full reports on STL Magazine, Fly MidAmerica, and Airport Improvement.