Billings Montana Air Service Committee Update

AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

Representatives from Billings Logan International Airport, the Billings Chamber of Commerce, Visit Billings and Big Sky Economic Development recently attended JumpStart in Chicago and the Montana Aviation Conference’s Rendezvous in Bozeman.

Across both events, the team held 18 meetings with airline network planners to promote Billings and pursue expanded air service. While most carriers expect current service to remain relatively steady in the near term, opportunities continue to be impacted by fuel costs, economic uncertainty and aircraft availability.

The team continues to advocate for priority nonstop destinations including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston and Atlanta, while also exploring future service to Calgary based on strong business, agriculture and energy-sector connections between the regions.

Billings is also encouraging additional in-state service opportunities with carriers currently providing or interested in Essential Air Service (EAS) contracts. These routes currently connect Billings to five North Central and Northeastern Montana communities with 13 daily flights. The EAS contract will be rebid in 2027, creating additional opportunities to advocate for expanded non-subsidized service.

Air service development is a long-term effort, and the Air Service Committee will continue strengthening airline relationships and pursuing new connections that support Billings’ businesses, residents and visitor economy.

REGIONAL GROWTH & ECONOMIC DEMAND

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Billings continues to build a strong case for expanded air service, supported by a growing economy, major investment and diverse year-round travel demand.

Yellowstone County has grown 4.8% since 2020 and generates nearly $14 billion in GDP, while more than $1.29 billion in major investments are creating jobs and strengthening business travel across healthcare, manufacturing and logistics.

Leisure demand is equally significant, with an estimated 2.6 million annual visitors generating approximately $621 million in spending, alongside continued investment in hotels, sports and recreation.

As the region’s commercial, medical and transportation hub, Billings also serves travelers well beyond the city itself, extending BIL’s reach into surrounding communities and recreation markets such as Red Lodge. Together, these trends reflect a growing, diversified market with the business and leisure demand to support sustainable air service.

BIL PROJECT MOVING FORWARD

Several improvement projects are underway at Billings Logan International Airport (BIL), continuing investment in the airport and the experience of travelers.

Construction on Terminal Landside Phase 1, a two-year project, began June 15. A new taxilane is substantially complete, with only striping and landscaping remaining.

Construction is also underway on the Stormwater Pond E expansion and a new shuttle parking lot, which will add 300 vehicle parking spaces.

These projects represent continued investment in BIL’s infrastructure as the airport works to meet the needs of travelers and support future growth.

BIGGEST WEEKEND YET FOR BILLINGS

Billings brought two citywide events together for a massive weekend in August. Banana Ball drew 15,000 people to Dehler Park over three days, while the Yellowstone International Air Show welcomed 35,000 attendees across Saturday and Sunday, plus another 5,000 at Friday’s practice. With both events happening at once, Billings was buzzing throughout the weekend. Visitors filled our hotels, dined at local restaurants and explored the community between events. It was an exciting opportunity to showcase Billings on a national stage and a reminder of the impact major events can have when they come together in our city.

BILLINGS MEANS BUSINESS FOR AIR SERVICE

Connecting people is at the heart of KOA, whether that means connecting guests to the outdoors and one another or connecting franchisees and team members across its system. Air service at Billings Logan International Airport plays an important role in making those connections possible.

Each year, KOA corporate team members fly more than 2 million miles across approximately 700 trips to and from Billings to support more than 525 franchised and company-owned campground locations across the U.S. and Canada. KOA also welcomes franchisees and employees from across North America to its Billings headquarters for in-person learning and development, while relying on air service to bring industry partners and collaborators to the community.

Reliable and frequent air service keeps KOA’s headquarters connected to the people it serves and supports the company’s continued growth from its home base in Billings.

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The Billings Air Service Committee is comprised of leadership from Visit Billings, Billings Chamber of Commerce, Big Sky Economic Development, City of Billings, and businesses and community leaders dedicated to supporting Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) and efforts to increase air service to Billings and the southeast Montana region.