MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) – Manhattan Regional Airport set a record for passenger travel in 2025.
Airport officials on Tuesday said 83,220 boardings and 166,623 total passengers were reported on its American Airlines services.
Both figures surpassed the previous records set in 2024 — an increase of about 2% year over that year.
Manhattan Regional Airport set a passenger record in 2025, officials announced Tuesday.(KMAN Radio)
“MHK closed the year with a new all‑time passenger travel record, marking our second consecutive record year,” Manhattan Regioinal Airport Director Brandon Keazer said in a news release. “This milestone underscores sustained regional demand and strong traveler confidence in Manhattan Regional Airport.
“We appreciate the community’s support and look forward to building on this momentum in 2026.”In addition to record growth in passenger traffic.
“MHK reached several operational and infrastructure milestones that strengthened service for the region. May 2025 set the all‑time monthly record with 8,360 enplanements — the first month in airport history to surpass 8,000 boardings.
“For the full year, the airport recorded 30,568 aircraft operations, including 119 military and athletic charter flights, reflecting a broad mix of commercial, general aviation and charter activity.“
Manhattan Mayor Susan Adamchak said the airport “continues to grow as an important asset for our community, serving the needs of residents as well as our military, university and business partners.”
Adamchak added, “The infrastructure enhancements of expanded runway, additional hangars and soon a new taxiway all contribute to the safety and convenience of flying through MHK. With direct flights to Chicago and Dallas on ever-larger planes, we have come a long way from taking a six-seater to Topeka.”
Early in 2025, MHK opened eight new general aviation hangars — the airport’s first new hangars in more than two decades — expanding capacity for based aircraft, increasing hangar rental revenue, and driving higher fuel sales.
The project received strong community support and was fully funded through a Federal Aviation Administration grant and the State of Kansas “Build Kansas” fund.
Design also began in 2025 for the reconstruction of Taxiway Alpha, the primary taxiway serving the main runway.
Design is scheduled to be completed by the end of April 2026, after which the airport will seek construction bids and apply for a Federal Aviationo Administration grant expected to fund 95% of the total project cost.
Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2026 and continue into 2027, with phased work to avoid disruptions to flight operations.
This project is essential to maintaining safe, efficient airfield operations and ensuring long‑term reliability, officials said.
Manhattan Regional Airport (MHK) serves the City of Manhattan, Fort Riley, Kansas State University, and the Flint Hills region with daily American Airlines service and convenient connections to the national air transportation system.
For more information about Manhattan Regional Airport, or to book your next flight, visit www.flymhk.com.
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