News from the MAC Chair - March 2025

Greetings:

Spring is arriving in true Minnesota fashion with a mix of warmer weather, wet snow and spring break travel surging at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP). As we approach the end of a busy first quarter of 2025, I’m pleased to share the latest updates from the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC).

MSP, general aviation airports continue growth trajectory

Passenger volumes and operations data show 2024 was a strong year for our airports. MSP passenger traffic totaled 37.2 million last year, marking a 6.9% increase over 2023. It’s the fourth straight year of growth and puts the airport very close to its 2019 passenger record. MSP achieved a new record for international passengers, with more than 3.5 million, and service to 32 destinations.

The MAC’s network of six general aviation airports also posted a strong year. These airports provide a base for the dynamic mix of aviation businesses that support our region’s business flights, charter services, flight training, aircraft maintenance, and private flying while also helping to relieve congestion at MSP. Operations at these airports totaled 372,609 in 2024.

This number represented a 1% increase over a total of 370,509 takeoffs and landings at the facilities in 2023, led by an 11% increase at the St. Paul Downtown Airport (STP).

Ready for Copenhagen and Rome!

MSP’s 2024 performance was boosted by increasing international travel, and we’re poised to grow even more this year with the launch of Delta Air Lines’ largest-ever transatlantic summer schedule. This May, Delta will add new service to Copenhagen and Rome. Flights to the Denmark capital will be offered three times a week from May 22 to Sept. 6, 2025. Meanwhile, service to Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) will operate four times a week from May 23 to Oct. 24, 2025.

New concessions concepts approved at Terminal 2

The MAC board has approved a slate of new and redesigned concepts for Terminal 2 concessions at MSP, the first major change of offerings there in more than a decade. Three operators were selected to develop six food, beverage, or retail venues in new or existing terminal locations. We’re excited to showcase local flavors and unique offerings through these partnerships when the Terminal 2 expansion is complete in 2027.The MAC board has approved a slate of new and redesigned concepts for Terminal 2 concessions at MSP, the first major change of offerings there in more than a decade. Three operators were selected to develop six food, beverage, or retail venues in new or existing terminal locations. We’re excited to showcase local flavors and unique offerings through these partnerships when the Terminal 2 expansion is complete in 2027.

Share your thoughts on the Flying Cloud's Long-Term Plan

We invite members of the community to share feedback on the MAC’s draft Long-Term Plan for Flying Cloud Airport (FCM) in Eden Prairie, Minn. The plan is intended to provide a high-level framework for planned development at the airport for the next two decades.

Visit the MAC website to view the draft Flying Cloud 2040 Long-Term Plan, learn more about the planning process and submit public comments. Written comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, April 4, 2025.

Celebrating important milestones

The Customer Service Action Council started the MSP Nice program 25 years ago to recognize MSP employees and volunteers who go above and beyond to help our travelers.

In 2015, we created a formal awards program — the MSP Nice Awards — to gather and celebrate these achievements.

At the 10th annual MSP Nice Awards in January, we set a record for 377 total awards handed out to 280 individual award winners. This is an incredible demonstration of our commitment to the MAC’s purpose and each person’s role in creating an excellent experience for our travelers. Thank you for your service and dedication!At the 10th annual MSP Nice Awards in January, we set a record for 377 total awards handed out to 280 individual award winners. This is an incredible demonstration of our commitment to the MAC’s purpose and each person’s role in creating an excellent experience for our travelers. Thank you for your service and dedication!

This year also marks the 100th anniversary of Delta Air Lines. As Delta celebrates its centennial year, we are grateful for our longstanding partnership. Delta has been MSP’s largest carrier since the airline merged with Northwest Airlines in 2008.

Lastly, I want to share a note of appreciation for Commissioner Randy Schubring, who is retiring from the MAC board this year after serving for nine years. It has been wonderful to serve alongside Commissioner Schubring throughout this period of growth and opportunity at the MAC, and I wish him the best.

We’ve had an incredible start to 2025, and I am enthusiastic about everything to come this year. If you’re traveling with us this spring break, we wish you a safe trip and an exceptional experience in our airports.