The Case for More Flights? Kalamazoo Airport Reports Strong Summer
UPDATE: This story has been updated with the new projected start date for United Airlines at AZO.
KALAMAZOO, MI – The Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO) had a strong summer, which airport officials say strengthens the case to add flights and airlines.
There were 9,294 people who boarded a plane in Kalamazoo in August, up 11.1% from a year ago. Seat capacity grew 3.4%, meaning planes were more full on average (77.7% compared to 72.4%).
Throughout the summer at AZO, boardings were up 8.5%.
“These results demonstrate the strong demand for convenient local air service,” said Airport Director Craig Williams. “The continued support … strengthens the case for maintaining and expanding air service at AZO. Every flight counts, and every passenger who chooses AZO makes a difference.”
Ultimately, it’s the airlines that decide whether to add service at an airport.
“Keep flying local, and we’ll keep making the case for more service,” the airport said in a Facebook post. “Comment down below what destinations you want to see next!”
Delta Air Lines added a fourth daily flight to Detroit starting June 7. AZO also offers flights to Chicago via American Airlines.
RELATED: Kalamazoo airport to halt commercial flights during runway completion work
A third airline is expected to join soon. United Airlines had planned to return to AZO in April, but was delayed multiple times due to Federal Aviation Administration restrictions.
The FAA has extended its flight cap until Oct. 30, 2027, meaning United won’t come to Kalamazoo until next fall. United’s plan is to have flights between AZO and Chicago O’Hare.
The airline already has equipment set up at the Kalamazoo airport, said Airport Director Craig Williams.
AZO is among a number of small airports impacted by the delay. Lansing and Marquette are among the other Michigan cities with airports on the list.
“It’s bad news for communities who have an opportunity to add service and they’re being told that they cannot by the federal government,” Williams said.
The post-COVID rebound
Boardings dropped dramatically at AZO when the pandemic hit and still haven’t fully recovered.
In 2019, Kalamazoo had more than 150,000 boardings. It dropped to 52,000 in 2020 and hasn’t reached 100,000 since.
In 2025, AZO had 88,713 boardings, down 4% from 2024.
The airport ranks 241st among all U.S. commercial airports and No. 7 in Michigan for boardings.
The chart below shows the number of boardings at AZO each year since 2016.
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