Momentum in May: ABE records 91,606 passengers as summer travel rises

  Summer travel season begins at ABE with over 90,000 passengers

(Hanover Township, PA) – More flight options for travelers including the return of popular destinations Denver and Nashville contributed to increased activity at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) in May.

Last month, 91,606 passengers used ABE – a 4.75% increase from May 2025.

“In spite of a challenging winter, it’s been a strong start to the year at ABE with our annual surge of summer vacationers and family getaways rapidly approaching,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority (LNAA). 

Month               Passengers               Percentage increase           Month                 Passengers

May ’26                 91,606                                   4.75%                      May ’25                   87,448

By the numbers, United Airlines increased 13.4%, Allegiant jumped 6.6% and Delta was up 2.9%. Meanwhile, American Airlines dipped 6% compared to last May.

Flying to Chicago?

American Airlines started nonstop service from ABE to O’Hare International Airport (ORD) on June 4^th. Daily departures are scheduled for approximately 6:00 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. or 5:15 p.m.

Here are some helpful tips for summer travel:

• Real ID-compliant identification is required for air travel. Travelers without a Real ID may be eligible to use the TSA ConfirmID program. https://www.tsa.gov/tsaconfirm-id

• Visit TSA.gov or connect with @AskTSA for helpful travel guidance.

• TSA does not require identification for children under 18 years of age traveling within the United States

• Please allow extra time for parking, airline check-in, and TSA security screening

• Airline ticket counters typically open 2 hours prior to a scheduled departure

• Check-in for passengers traveling with checked baggage generally closes 30-45 minutes before departure, depending on the airline

• Boarding usually begins 30-45 minutes prior to departure, depending on the airline.

• For additional travel information, please contact your airline directly or visit Fly ABE

Moving Freight

25,762,096 pounds of air cargo was processed through Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) last month – a decrease of 10.2% from May 2025.

Month               Cargo (lbs.)               (Percentage decrease)         Month             Cargo (lbs.)

May ‘26              25,762,096                            10.2%                          May ’25            28,688,681