New Record Expected for Summer Travel at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport

Significant increases in passenger volumes now through Labor Day at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport

With more nonstop destinations than ever, the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) is preparing for a record-breaking summer travel season. Thanks to four new flights, the addition of Sun Country Airlines and various service increases by most airlines, scheduled capacity for May to September 2023 is up 22% compared to last year.

“This Memorial Day weekend kicks off what we know will be a very busy summer at SDF,” said Dan Mann, Executive Director of the Louisville Regional Airport Authority. “The airlines know the demand for travel is strong in Louisville and they have responded with robust service increases – more flights, new destinations and bigger aircraft. Our capacity is up 14% from our previous best year in 2019. We fully expect to set a new record in 2023 for summer travel at Louisville’s airport.”

Since last summer, four new flights and one new airline began at SDF: Breeze Airways to Raleigh-Durham (RDU), Delta Air Lines to Boston (BOS), Spirit Airlines to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Sun Country Airlines, the airport’s newest airline, to Minneapolis (MSP). In addition, American Airlines added a second daily flight to Boston (BOS) and Southwest Airlines is resuming daily service to Las Vegas (LAS) and Phoenix (PHX). Plus, there are multiple flight increases to Charleston (CHS) and New Orleans (MSY) on Breeze, new daily flights to Los Angeles (LAX) on Spirit Airlines and more options to Houston (IAH) and Chicago (ORD) on United Airlines.

“These are significant service increases for our market,” added Anthony Gilmer, Vice President of Air Service Development and Strategic Marketing. “Multiple airlines have upped their service by significant margins, ranging anywhere from 80% by Breeze to nearly 20% by Delta. Anyone traveling now through Labor Day should be prepared to arrive early, remain mindful of their flight status and pack a little extra patience with the heavier crowds.”

Memorial Day Weekend

SDF is expected to kick-off the summer travel season with a busy Memorial Day weekend. Scheduled capacity increased by 33% compared to last year – and is up 21% compared to 2019, which was the airport’s previous record-setting year. For Thursday, May 25 through Tuesday, May 30, there are more than 53,600 departing seats scheduled. The two busiest days will be Friday, May 26 and Monday, May 29 with nearly 10,000 departing seats each day.

Travel Tips

With the large volume of passengers expected, below are several helpful tips for SDF travelers.

• Arrive 2-hours in advance of the flight’s departure. This allows plenty of time to park, check-in and go through the security checkpoint before boarding begins. Most airlines begin boarding 30-minutes before the flight’s scheduled departure time.
• Temporary parking closures are possible for some parking options at SDF including the Garage and Surface Lot. Travelers are encouraged to be familiar with the Premier East and Premier West Lots as alternatives.
• Check-in before leaving home and closely monitor the flight’s status through the airline’s website or mobile app, or at FlyLouisville.com.
• Remember the 3-1-1 rule when packing – no more than 3.4 oz of liquids, gels, creams and aerosols are allowed per container and all must be placed in one, clear 1-quart size bag in a carryon. Anything larger than 3.4 oz must go in a checked bag.
• If traveling with any food items or beverages – including alcohol – travelers should visit TSA.gov for more information on how to secure their goods in your checked bags.