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Hays Regional Airport reported its highest annual passenger traffic on record for 2025, according to the 2025 Year-To-Date Enplanement Report released this week.
HYS recorded 17,345 total SkyWest Airlines (SkyWest) outbound enplanements, representing a 19.49% increase over the previous year of 14,516.
An additional 217 boardings from various charter and air ambulance operations were also recorded.
SkyWest provides commercial jet airline service at HYS and has experienced steady growth since boarding 8,102 passengers in its first full year of service in 2015.
City Manager Toby Dougherty credited the operational results to the management of the facility.
"The Airport’s performance reflects the specific management strategies employed by Airport Director Jamie Salter," Dougherty said. "Her oversight of daily operations and long-term planning has been a primary factor in this growth. We credit her leadership for maximizing the Airport's utility and maintaining high standards."
The report outlines passenger volume fluctuations throughout the year.
January 2025 recorded 1,314 outbound enplanements, an 82% increase over the 721 recorded in January 2024.
March saw a 93% year-over-year increase, rising from 758 passengers in 2024 to 1,464 in 2025.
December proved to be the highest volume month of the year, with 1,723 outbound enplanements.
In addition to volume, the report detailed operational metrics for SkyWest.
During the fourth quarter, the airline reported on-time performance (defined as arriving or departing within 15 minutes of schedule) of 85% in October and 92% in November.
September also recorded an 86% on-time rate.
Salter noted the role of external partnerships in achieving these figures.
"This record result is shared by SkyWest Airlines and the passengers utilizing our facility," she said. "We have also relied on the expertise provided by our airline consultant, the ArkStar Group, for the past eight years to meet our goal of establishing one of the best regional airport experiences for our community.”
“Of course, none of this could be done without the local employees to make it happen,” Salter said. “I would like to personally thank the local SkyWest and TSA crews, our Fixed Based Operator, Hays Aircraft, and my Airport team who ensure we are the gold standard when it comes to customer service, quality, and safety. The work of the CVB staff to help with our marketing ventures is also greatly appreciated.”
Historical data included in the report shows an overall upward trend in passenger traffic following 2020, which were recorded at 5,474.
Total outbound enplanements for 2021 were 11,150, 9,473 for 2022, and 10,074 for 2023.
"Our sincere appreciation goes to the nearly 35,000 travelers who flew in and out with us this year," Salter said. "Your loyalty drives us to keep improving. Alongside SkyWest and the ArkStar Group, we are committed to continuing to provide our community with the very best in commercial air service travel for years to come.”
"This record proves the Hays Regional Airport remains not just a convenience, but the first choice for Western Kansas travelers."
For more information on flight times, booking details, and additional services, visit FlyHays.com.