The Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) was named the Primary Airport of the Year by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Division of Aeronautics. The award was presented at the Illinois Public Airports Association fall conference in Galena on Sept. 29, recognizing RFD’s outstanding accomplishments, safety record, and contributions to Illinois’ aviation system, and economy.
A Primary Airport is defined by the Federal Aviation Administration as one with more than 10,000 annual airline passengers. RFD earned the honor for its strong partnership with IDOT, commitment to customer service, facility maintenance, and promotion of aviation and educational events.
“This award is a tremendous honor for RFD and reflects the dedication of our entire team to provide safe, efficient, and reliable service to our passengers and community,” said Zack Oakley, Executive Director of RFD. “We are proud to play an essential role in Illinois’ aviation system and look forward to continuing to build on this success for both passenger and cargo operations.”
“Congratulations to the Chicago Rockford International Airport for being named Primary Airport of the Year,” said Clayton Stambaugh, Deputy Director of Aeronautics, Illinois Department of Transportation. “Regional airports, like RFD, serve a vital role in the aviation system by offering another travel option for passengers and shipments of cargo. By delivering excellent service, RFD is a model for regional airports in Illinois and across the country.”
In recent years, RFD celebrated record-breaking passenger growth while expanding both domestic and international service. In 2024, the airport served 262,432 travelers, its busiest year ever, allowing the return of popular seasonal flights like nonstop service to Nashville and the addition of international destinations through its partnership with ALG Vacations, including Cancun, Punta Cana, and Huatulco, Mexico.
Building on this momentum, RFD now offers an American Airlines Landline service, providing travelers with one-stop check-in, seamless baggage transfer, and luxury motorcoach transportation that delivers them directly to their gate at Chicago O’Hare for connections to 150+ destinations worldwide.
At the same time, RFD continues to rank among the nation’s top 15 cargo airports, handling more than 3.1 billion pounds of landed weight in 2024 and improving its national ranking from No. 15 to No. 14. This growth, fueled by long-standing partnerships with UPS, Amazon Air, and Maersk Air Cargo, reinforces RFD’s vital role as a logistics hub for the Midwest.
Together, these achievements strengthen RFD’s reputation as both a key driver of regional economic development and a convenient, stress-free travel option for the Midwest.
