Could Lehigh Valley International Airport soon be an “international” airport again?
An infusion of funding from the state and the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce will be used to help LVIA compete for nonstop passenger service to such destinations as Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, other Caribbean islands and Canada.
The state is kicking in $250,000, along with $50,000 from the chamber.
“Lehigh Valley International Airport is experiencing tremendous growth, and now is the time to build on that momentum by competing for new nonstop routes,” said state Sen. Nick Miller, D-Lehigh, who helped secure the funding. “With this $300,000 investment, we are helping ABE compete for new routes, attract airline service, and give residents more options to fly directly from home instead of traveling to Philadelphia or Newark. This public-private partnership is an important step toward strengthening our airport and supporting the continued growth of our regional economy.”
International service from LVIA ended in August 2012, when Air Canada ceased daily service to Toronto. The airport in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, is currently served by Allegiant Air along with American, Delta and United Airlines with service to such places as several Florida cities along with hubs at Atlanta, Chicago and Charlotte, North Carolina.
The investment will support LVIA’s air service development efforts and help airport officials engage with airlines interested in establishing routes to potential markets, depending on passenger demand and airline interest, according to a press release from Miller’s office on Friday.
The idea is to give passengers to those destinations the option of not having to travel to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey and Philadelphia International Airport. It would also increase accessibility for the Lehigh Valley’s Puerto Rican community and others with family and cultural ties to the island, making it easier and potentially more affordable to visit loved ones.
“Several of the suggested routes were previously served from ABE and the airport maintains a consistent dialogue with airlines regarding the restoration of this nonstop service,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, executive director of the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority. “Dynamic growth and diversity across the Lehigh Valley has elevated the need for more direct service. We appreciate the support of Senator Miller as we continue these air service development efforts.”
Increasing service is also part of a strategy to strengthen the airport’s role as a regional economic engine and help increase tourism, the release said.
“The Chamber is very happy to partner with Senator Miller to provide support for potential air service to the Caribbean region from the Lehigh Valley,” said Tony Iannelli, chamber president and CEO. “Given our growing population, particularly in the Hispanic community, this service will provide much-needed transportation for residents and additional resources for our expanding Lehigh Valley International Airport.”
The news comes as LVIA is in the middle of expanding its facilities. The LNAA Board of Governors recently approved the construction of a five-story parking garage, connected to the Main Terminal, that is scheduled to be completed in 2029. A 145-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel next to the terminal is also nearing completion. LVIA says it is scheduled to open in early 2027.
An expanded security checkpoint opened in 2023.
Morning Call reporter Evan Jones can be reached at ejones@mcall.com.