APPLETON, Wis. — The Appleton International Airport has reached a major milestone. For the first time, the airport said it had 1 million passengers in one calendar year.

Officials said they expect the overall passenger growth this year to be 12% higher than 2023, when there were 967,687 passengers. Final numbers will be calculated in early 2025 after the holiday travel season in December.

“This is a mark every team member and every one of our airline partners is proud of,” said Airport Director Abe Weber in a release. “Our investments to make the Appleton Airport the faster, easier and more convenient option are resonating with the community. And airlines notice.” 

The airport attributed the 2024 increase to several factors, including the expansion of existing routes, nonstop flights and new routes.

American Airlines was one group that added more flights this year at the airport. It allowed 58% more available seats for flights on its airline. Allegiant added 9% more seats for its airline and Delta added 11% more seats.

The busiest month at the airport was in March, when it welcomed more than 100,000 passengers.

Officials expect to see more improvements with the main concourse.. The 47,000 square-foot expansion of the main concourse is expected to be finished in April 2025 and will include more gate areas, dining amenities, restrooms and more.

Outagamie County Executive Thomas Nelson said the milestone extends to the entire Fox Cities.

“This milestone is one more measure of the economic health of the Fox Cities,” said Nelson in a release. “The growth of the airport shows the Fox Valley is a region where jobs, business, infrastructure, and quality of life are on a path for continued success.”

Last year was also a record year for the airport. It had a 14% increase in passengers, making it the fastest growing airport in the state, according to Transportation Security Administration records.