Here’s what the data tells airlines and why choosing RST today can help shape tomorrow’s flights.
One of the questions we hear most often at Rochester International Airport is: “Why doesn’t RST have a nonstop flight to _____?”
Whether it’s Las Vegas, Phoenix, Orlando or another favorite destination, it’s a question many travelers ask.
The answer starts with one simple word: demand.
Before an airline adds a new route, it studies where people throughout the region are already traveling. Those travel patterns help airlines understand which destinations are most popular and where future service could make sense.
Just as importantly, airlines also look at where travelers choose to begin their journey. That’s why every decision to Flocal helps tell the story of our community’s demand.
Looking beyond airport boundaries
Airlines don’t base route decisions solely on passengers already flying from RST. They analyze travel patterns across Southeast Minnesota and the surrounding region to understand where people ultimately want to go.
In the aviation industry, this broader service area is known as an airport’s catchment area — the geographic region from which an airport draws potential travelers. Because many residents have more than one airport to choose from, airlines study travel demand throughout the region, including travelers who currently drive to another airport before catching their flight.
That broader perspective gives airlines a clearer picture of where people are traveling, not just where they’re starting their trip.
So where does our region want to go?
The data below ranks the region’s most popular outbound markets based on Passengers Daily Each Way (PDEW), an airline industry measure of the average number of passengers traveling between two markets each day.
Source: Volaire Aviation Consulting, 2024
A few trends stand out.
Warm-weather destinations dominate the list, with Las Vegas, Phoenix, Orlando, South Florida, Fort Myers and Tampa among the region’s most popular destinations. Business travel also remains strong, with Chicago, Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, Washington, D.C., Boston and Houston continuing to generate significant demand. And it’s clear that travelers from Southeast Minnesota regularly head to major metropolitan areas such as New York, Los Angeles, Seattle and San Francisco for work, vacations and visits with family and friends.
What airlines see when they look at this data
To most travelers, this list simply represents popular destinations. To an airline, it’s something more.
Each market reflects people who already want to make that trip. It tells airlines where demand exists today, regardless of which airport travelers currently use.
Of course, demand alone doesn’t guarantee a new route. Airlines also consider aircraft availability, scheduling, profitability, competition and how a new destination fits within their overall network.
But travel demand is one of the first places they look.
Why Flocal-ing matters
Regional travel demand tells airlines where people want to go.
Passenger activity at RST helps demonstrate whether travelers are choosing to begin their journey here.
When more travelers book flights from Rochester instead of driving to another airport, airlines gain greater confidence that existing service is valued and that future service has the potential to succeed.
That’s why every ticket purchased from RST matters.
Choosing to Flocal isn’t just about enjoying convenient parking, shorter lines and a less stressful travel experience. It’s also one of the most meaningful ways our community can support additional air service over time.
Every trip helps tell the story
There isn’t a single formula for adding a new nonstop flight. Airline decisions involve dozens of factors, and every market is unique.
But one thing remains true across the industry: Airlines follow demand.
The destinations on this list show where people throughout our region want to travel. Every time you choose to begin your trip at RST, you help strengthen the case that Southeast Minnesota values local air service.
Because today’s travel choices help shape tomorrow’s opportunities.
How Airlines Decide Where to Add Flights
1. Where do people want to go?
Regional travel demand identifies the destinations with the greatest interest.
2. Are travelers choosing RST?
Passenger numbers show whether people are supporting local air service.
3. Does the route make business sense?
Airlines evaluate aircraft availability, scheduling, profitability, and network
