Latest news with #NorthwestArkansasNationalAirport
Axios
22-05-2025
- Axios
XNA forecasts Memorial Day 'busier than ever'
Memorial Day travel is projected to beat a 20-year-old record high this year, according to AAA data released Monday. "We imagine that this Memorial Day weekend will be busier than ever," Northwest Arkansas National Airport spokesperson Olivia Tyler told Axios. Why it matters: Americans' deep pessimism about the economy isn't deterring them from traveling to celebrate the unofficial start of the summer season. "Despite concerns over rising prices, many Americans say they're taking advantage of the long holiday weekend to spend time with loved ones, even if the trips are closer to home," AAA said in a statement. By the numbers: 45.1 million people are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home between May 22 and May 26. That's an increase of 1.4 million travelers from last year and surpasses the record 44 million people who traveled in 2005. Zoom in: "2025 has been a record-breaking year for XNA, and we predict that Memorial Day Weekend will not be any different," Tyler said. The number of people going through the airport's TSA checkpoint for the three-day weekend was up 27% from 2022 to 2024 — from almost 8,300 to more than 10,500. Zoom out: 87% of Memorial Day travelers, or 39.4 million people, are choosing to take road trips this year, per AAA. Air travel will increase 2% over last year at 3.61 million air passengers but isn't predicted to set a new record. 2.08 million people are expected to travel by train, bus or cruise over the holiday weekend. Our thought bubble, from Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick: Americans keep breaking travel records in the post-pandemic period, either to keep making up for lost time during COVID or, now, to get ahead of potential rising prices over the next few months. What we're watching: Summertime airfare costs are down.
Axios
15-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Real ID rules aren't holding up travelers, XNA says
Northwest Arkansas National Airport is seeing "minimal" passengers not in compliance with newly enforced identification rules, spokesperson Olivia Tyler told Axios. Catch up quick: The federal government set a hard deadline of May 7 for when airports must require enhanced identification like a Real ID, passport or military ID card to board a domestic flight when a standard drivers license or state ID previously sufficed. But on May 6, the Department of Homeland Security announced those not in compliance would still be able to fly after undergoing extra steps to verify their identities with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). State of play: XNA has a contractor asking travelers at the security checkpoint if they have a Real ID, passport or military ID and directing them to TSA if they do not have those forms of ID, Tyler said. Overall, it's going smoothly and the airport is not seeing lines backed up because of the new rules, she said. The latest: Arkansas has issued about 39,000 Real IDs in the past week, bringing the total of active Real IDs in the state to 901,531, Scott Hardin, spokesperson for the state's department of finance and administration, told Axios. "We have remained in contact with our vendor that prints the REAL ID cards. We reached capacity in our inventory at a couple of offices last week and had to direct customers to nearby offices," Hardin said in an email. "However, we refreshed that inventory the following day."
Axios
07-04-2025
- Business
- Axios
XNA amenities expand as construction nears finish
Northwest Arkansas National Airport is still a bit of a construction zone as the transportation hub has been working to accommodate more travelers and expected growth in recent years. The big picture: Airport officials aim to finish terminal modernization in early 2026, spokesperson Olivia Tyler told Axios. The updated baggage claim area is already up and running. Work continues on adding elevators and escalators plus renovating police and TSA offices in the lobby, and construction is wrapping up on a larger air traffic control tower to provide more visibility for air traffic controllers. The expanded economy parking lot should be finished this summer, offering about 1,000 extra spaces, Tyler said, noting the airport was tight on parking over Spring Break. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art satellite gallery also remains under construction. Zoom out: XNA recently opened a paid lounge with food and drinks, as well as vending machines stocked with diapers, wipes and formula in some women's and men's restrooms.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Highfill, XNA continue dispute over sales tax and land detachment
HIGHFILL, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — Months after a Benton County judge denied Highfill's request for a preliminary injunction to stop the Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) from detaching, the dispute over sales tax and land detachment continues. XNA filed the detachment petition following the judge's ruling in September 2024, which allowed the process to move forward. According to the city of Highfill, XNA's interpretation of a bill passed by the Arkansas Legislature threatens the city's financial stability. The city said that while XNA had previously indicated the bill would have minimal impact, the airport's interpretation now requires the immediate impoundment of all city sales tax revenue until the airport's bonds are paid off. This includes taxes collected from all businesses in the city, even those unrelated to the airport. University of Arkansas among 60 universities under federal investigation over DEI practices 'Unfortunately, no city can survive impoundment of all of its sales tax revenue — and Highfill is no exception,' the statement read. In response, the city of Highfill has proposed several solutions, including: Amending the legislation to allow city sales tax collections to continue until the Highfill's bonds are paid off by April 2036, without impoundment. Limiting the detachment of land to properties acquired by XNA before January 1, 2000. Allowing voters to approve a 3% sales tax on all sales within the airport's footprint, with proceeds directly benefiting the airport. If the tax measure does not pass, a fair distribution of sales tax revenue generated from the airport footprint must be negotiated. However, XNA disputes claims made by Highfill's mayor that the city needs additional time to recover lost tax revenue. XNA's proposal, initially made on November 21, 2024, would allow Highfill to retain $746,650 in annual sales tax revenue for operational use for the next 5.5 years, based on forecasts provided by the airport. The remaining sales tax revenue would go toward paying off Highfill's water and sewer bonds. Arkansas Supreme Court to hear Amber Waterman's appeal in April The airport said that Highfill has already received two years of sales tax revenue since the passage of Act 769. Additionally, XNA claimed that the city has misappropriated nearly $800,000 of sales tax revenue in violation of detachment law since XNA filed its petition to detach. 'XNA has made every effort to reach a fair resolution, including a final attempt last week toreach a settlement. We have a responsibility to ensure that public funds are usedappropriately and in accordance with state law. We have done everything we can to find areasonable solution, and we urge Highfill to come to the table and agree to the deal—onethat benefits both parties.' Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Arkansas lawmaker, traveler react to deadly mid-air crash in Washington, D.C.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS (KNWA/KFTA) — The nation is mourning the loss of lives in the devastating crash that occurred just before 9 p.m. Wednesday when a Black Hawk helicopter collided with American Eagle Flight 5342 near Washington Reagan Airport. Congressman Steve Womack (R-AR) addressed the tragedy, saying, 'The nation grieves with the families of those who were victims of this unspeakable tragedy.' Womack said an investigation will be conducted to uncover the cause of the crash. 'It'll be investigated. We will get to the bottom of it. We'll figure out what caused it. I can't imagine it being mechanical because there didn't seem to be any mechanical affiliation to what happened last night,' Womack said. Womack believes the incident was likely due to human error, whether it be in communication, visibility, or aircraft identification. 'I've never seen anything like this, as aircraft and air control typically do a great job maintaining separation,' Womack said. 'But it's a tragedy, nonetheless, and one that deserves our highest and best attention.' LISTEN: Audio captures air traffic control at moment of DC crash He also noted that incidents of this magnitude are rare and urged caution before placing blame. 'Let the facts speak for themselves, and then we can advocate for whatever changes need to be made to ensure this never happens again.' For travelers like Emmanuel Johnson, the aftermath of such a tragedy can bring about heightened anxiety and fear. Johnson, who was traveling to Atlanta, recounted his reaction when he first learned of the crash. 'That was very scary, especially knowing I'm flying the next day. I saw it on my phone, and I quickly turned on the TV. It's very terrible. My thoughts go to the family,' Johnson said. Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) also offered its condolences, stating, 'Northwest Arkansas National Airport joins others in sharing our deepest sympathies with those affected by the tragic accident.' 'There's a lot of grieving people today, and America is grieving with them,' Womack said. The investigation is ongoing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
