Over six hundred and fifty thousand passengers utilized Rapid City Regional Airport last year. The advancement to a small-hub status coupled with consistent years of increasing passenger demand is contributing to significant changes at the airport.
For the first time in over a decade, a new commercial airline, Sun Country, has entered the market. The Minneapolis-based airline began local operations in June with low-cost direct flights to Minneapolis, Minnesota. For residents of South Dakota, this route provided a fast, inexpensive option to the area's largest destination market.
In addition to Sun Country, RAP was served by Allegiant Air, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, with United Airlines maintaining the majority of the market share. Popular flight destinations included Phoenix, Chicago, Las Vegas, Dallas, Charlotte, and Denver.
The airport continues negotiations with airlines to secure new air service to the Black Hills. While ultimately, the decision of where and when to fly is decided by each airline, the airport works to provide community incentives and adequate terminal facilities to entice them to operate.
To be sure, the aging infrastructure of the terminal, constructed in 1989, has been an obstacle to convincing airlines of growth and revenue potential. Since 2014, enplanements have increased by a staggering 30%. Due to limited gate space, passenger hold room capacity issues, outdated baggage make-up, and a lack of additional airline ticket counters, the airport is already facing space constraints. RAP is in the design phase of a terminal expansion that will address these issues and provide additional business opportunities. The expansion will include significant updates, including the addition of four parking spaces for aircraft at a total estimated project cost of $220 million.
With the growth of the airport, there will be a significant boost to the economy of the region. Visitors contribute to substantial economic benefits for households and businesses, and play a crucial role in driving the state's economy. In 2022, visitors to Pennington County spent more than $170 million on transportation.
This growth will be felt in several ways, including an increase in travel and greater connectivity with other parts of the world. Importantly, the support of the community will be essential in ensuring that these benefits are realized. Together, the airport and the community can work to create a thriving hub of activity that will benefit all who live and work in the area.
Read more on flying around the Black Hills in the "Up In the Air" Issue of Elevate!