MEDIA RELEASE

For more information, contact:                                                                                        October 2, 2025

Shaquil Manigault

815.282.9976

RFD Named Primary Airport of the Year by Illinois Department of Transportation

ROCKFORD, Ill. (October 2, 2025) – 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 Monday, September 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.

For more information about RFD, visit www.flyrfd.com.

About Chicago Rockford International Airport

The Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is ranked as the 14th largest airport in the United States for air cargo with more than 3.1 billion pounds of landed weight in 2024. The Airport is home to the second-largest UPS hub in North America and a major base of operations for Amazon Air. The Airport campus encompasses an aviation maintenance repair facility (AAR) as well as other aircraft maintenance operations capable of servicing next-generation aircraft. There is also an aviation education maintenance program (Rock Valley College) on airport grounds that is turning out a highly trained and skilled workforce.

RFD and its tenants are home to more than 8,000 jobs and contribute millions of dollars of economic impact to the region annually. Additionally, RFD has direct domestic and international passenger flights which further strengthens the airport as a key transportation hub to the region. RFD offers passenger flights through Allegiant Airlines, Apple Vacations, and American Airlines to more than 150 destinations worldwide.

Additional Quotes from Local Government Officials:

Winnebago County Board Chairman Joseph Chiarelli:

• “RFD being named Primary Airport of the Year is more than an award. It reflects disciplined investment that supports thousands of jobs, strengthens our tax base, and keeps Winnebago County competitive in both freight and passenger travel. When RFD grows, opportunity reaches every community we serve.”

Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara:

• “Rockford is proud of RFD because it makes travel easier for families and solidifies our city as a transportation hub. The airport’s momentum in passenger service and cargo brings visitors to our hotels and restaurants, supports good local jobs, and fuels growth across the entire region.”

Loves Park Mayor Greg Jury:

• “Every new route, cargo win, or facility upgrade at RFD is a win for our neighborhoods. Vendors hire, hotels fill, and small shops see more customers. The airport is a steady jobs engine for the Stateline.”

Machesney Park Mayor Steve Johnson:

• “RFD’s growth helps our businesses in Machesney Park connect with regional, national, and international partners. Faster, reliable logistics provided through RFD mean good jobs at home and an ideal environment for businesses to flourish.”