11-03-2025
Where are Rochester travelers flying? These routes are the busiest
The Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport continues to grow with ongoing expansions.
In the summer of 2024, a $38.1 million construction project began, focusing on upgrades to security, amenities, elevators, and other improvements.
Additionally, starting in May, Breeze Airways, a low-cost airline, will launch nonstop flights between Rochester and Charleston, South Carolina, and Raleigh, North Carolina.
Local leaders, including state Sen. Jeremy Cooney, the Senate Transportation Committee chairman, advocate for more direct flights and encourage travelers to choose Rochester's airport over those in Buffalo and Syracuse. They aim to reduce 'leakage'—an airline industry term for passengers traveling to other airports instead of using their local airport.
According to the most popular flights departing from Rochester are:
Chicago (ORD) – 143 flights/month
New York City (JFK) – 112 flights/month
Washington (IAD) – 98 flights/month
Detroit (DTW) – 89 flights/month
Washington (DCA) – 86 flights/month
Baltimore-Washington (BWI) – 78 flights/month
Charlotte (CLT) – 72 flights/month
New York (EWR) – 69 flights/month
Atlanta (ATL) – 69 flights/month
New York City (LGA) – 63 flights/month
Punta Gorda, Florida
Boston, Massachusetts
Chicago (ORD)
Charlotte, North Carolina
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Washington, D.C. (DCA)
Miami, Florida (Saturday only)
Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
Nashville, Tennessee
Orlando/Lakeland, Florida
Charlotte, North Carolina (Concord-Padgett Regional Airport)
Wilmington, North Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina
Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina
New Orleans (One stop, no plane change)
Orlando, Florida (One stop, no plane change)
Atlanta, Georgia
Detroit, Michigan
New York (JFK & LGA)
New York (JFK)
Baltimore, Maryland
Las Vegas, Nevada
Orlando, Florida (MCO)
Tampa, Florida (Seasonal)
Orlando, Florida (MCO)
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Chicago (ORD)
Newark, New Jersey
Washington, D.C. (Dulles International Airport)
Genae Shields is the business and development impact reporter working on mobility stories that dive into how people get around Rochester and it's surrounding areas. As a member of the local community, Genae enjoys learning about newly emerging businesses and changes that impact Rochester's BIPOC and LGBTQ neighborhoods. She also enjoys supporting local artists and nonprofit organizations. Contact Genae at gshields@
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Where are Rochester travelers flying? These routes are the busiest
