WARWICK, RI – January 23, 2025 – Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) soared to new heights in 2024, solidifying its status as the fastest-growing hub airport in New England and one of the nation’s top performers. December 2024 proved a landmark month, marking the airport’s best performance since 1997 with 27.3% growth compared to the year before, propelling it past the 4 million passenger milestone for the year, which is even more than before the pandemic in 2019. Based on FAA data for the other hub airports in the region, PVD is the fastest-growing hub airport in New England for 2024, but also offers the most per capita destinations to Rhode Islanders, with 34.7 routes per million population.
“This success is the result of the joint effort of the RIAC Board of Directors, Governor, Speaker of the House, Senate President and our Federal Congressional Delegation,” stated Iftikhar Ahmad, President and CEO of the Rhode Island Airport Corporation. “I would like to congratulate them on this success and thank them for all of their work in making this airport an asset for all Rhode Islanders.”
“Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport is an important economic engine for our state. The airport’s continued growth and success is great news for local businesses, tourism, and local economies across the Ocean State,” said U.S. Senator Jack Reed. “I’m proud to work alongside our state’s delegation to direct key federal investments to Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport to help improve the passenger experience and strengthen safety and infrastructure.”
“This record-setting growth only enhances Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport’s status as one of the best airports in the country,” said Governor Dan McKee. “As Rhode Island looks to bolster our economy, boost tourism, and entice new businesses and industries to move to the Ocean State, having an airport like this and a partner like the Rhode Island Airport Corporation truly makes Rhode Island all that.”
“Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport’s growth is great news for Rhode Island’s economy,” said House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi. “The airport already supports nearly 20,000 jobs and has an economic impact in the billions. Further growth will only boost those figures. It’s easy to see why so many travelers are choosing to FlyRI: our airport is incredibly accessible. Congratulations to the entire team at Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport, whose hard work is what drives this growth!”
President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio said, “The commitment and investments made at Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport continues to pay off. Our state’s growing reputation as a travel and tourism destination is truly a reason to celebrate. Thanks to RIAC and the many partners whose vision and determination have made this success possible.”
“The growth that we experienced last month, we have not seen in almost three decades,” said Jonathan N. Savage, Rhode Island Airport Corporation Board Chair. It took an enormous amount of effort and planning to get to where we are today. On behalf of the board, we could not be more pleased with this accomplishment.”
Air travelers and airlines alike are taking note of PVD’s remarkable ascent. Recent announcements by airlines have sought to tap into the increased demand for travel through Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport by increasing the availability of seats to popular destinations and adding new nonstop connections throughout the nation. Regional travelers are also noticing Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport’s emergence as one of the top airports in the world, with easy access, affordable parking, a growing selection of local culinary delights, and as a result, more travelers are choosing to “FlyRI.”
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, Rhode Island receives $2.7 billion in economic benefits from civil aviation, including over 19,000 jobs and the related economic activity they provide. Growth in passenger volume has been assisted by airport investments made by both the state and federal governments, including destination marketing efforts spearheaded by the Governor and General Assembly. Other improvements in airport infrastructure and facilities have been made possible thanks to federal funds secured by Senator Jack Reed and the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, who have secured funding for both runway and terminal upgrades, with more improvements scheduled for the coming years.
PVD is becoming well known as the easy and affordable alternative to BOS and has grown to become one of Breeze Airways most active bases, with more routes and based aircraft planned for the near future as Breeze Airways announced plans to increase the number of just Breeze’s nonstop destinations at PVD to 35 over the coming years, including international routes when Breeze has the proper preparations in place. PVD has also seen significant growth among other airlines, with new routes offered by Southwest Airlines and JetBlue’s addition of daily nonstop service to San Juan and the recent announcement of new nonstop flights to John F. Kennedy International Airport.
About Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport: A convenient and low-cost gateway to New England, Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) has a large catchment area with 7.5 million residents within 90 minutes of the airport. It attracts passengers from nearby Massachusetts and eastern Connecticut. PVD is located just outside of Providence, Rhode Island. Well known for ease of traveler access, affordable parking, and faster security lines, Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport is frequently named as one of USA Today’s “Readers’ Choice Best Small Airports” and has earned further distinction as a “Top Three” airport in Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best Awards.” Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport was also recently named one of the Top 3 Airports in the U.S. and Top Ten in the world by the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards for 2023. More information is available at https://flyri.com/.
