Rochester International Airport Pursues North America Expansion

Explore opportunities with Rochester International Airport (RST), a U.S. airport located 15-mi. from the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, a private academic medical center. 

Thanks to an expanding local economy fueled by Mayo Clinic initiatives as well as targeted marketing efforts, RST experienced a 6% increase in passenger traffic in 2024, with continued strong growth projected in 2025.

RST serves a catchment of more than 800,000 people in southeastern Minnesota and the broader Upper Midwest region. Two of the largest economic development initiatives in Minnesota’s history are currently underway in Rochester, propelling population growth, business development and transportation needs.  

The first initiative spans 20 years and is supported by a $5.6 billion investment in partnership with Mayo Clinic, the City of Rochester, and the State of MN. The second initiative injects an additional $5 billion into transforming healthcare delivery. This includes improving support for patients traveling to the community for care, which presents increased opportunities for air carriers.

RST is targeting its resources toward continuing to increase passenger traffic. The airport credits its “Flocal” (Fly Local) campaign for helping boost passenger numbers by promoting the benefits of flying from the local airport. The project has contributed to capacity increases on existing routes, which RST is now using to attract new air service.

RST recently received funding for a $1.5 million minimum revenue guarantee from the Rochester City Council to secure additional direct flights to leisure destinations. The funding has already attracted interest from LCCs, positioning the airport for future route expansion.

With top priority to rebuild commercial airline passenger numbers to pre-COVID levels and beyond, RST has uploaded multiple route opportunities across North America to its Routes 360 profile.

Unserved:

• Orlando International Airport (MCO)
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
• Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS)
• Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

Discover the latest available routes and identify new business opportunities.

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