Traffic up 4.75% at Lehigh Valley International Airport in May
Return of flights to Denver and Nashville and expanded schedules lifted May passenger counts to 91,606 while air cargo volumes fell.
Summary:
- Lehigh Valley International Airport passenger traffic up 4.75%
- United Airlines passenger numbers increased 13.4% in May
- American Airlines launched nonstop service to O’Hare on June 4
More flight options for travelers including the return of flights to Denver and Nashville contributed to increased activity at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), Allentown, in May, according to a media release.
Last month, 91,606 passengers used ABE, a 4.75% increase from May 2025. The uptick was spread throughout the airlines serving ABE. According to the media release, United Airlines increased 13.4%, Allegiant jumped 6.6% and Delta was up 2.9%. Meanwhile, American Airlines dipped 6% compared to last May.
American Airlines started nonstop service from ABE to O’Hare International Airport (ORD) on June 4. Daily departures are scheduled for approximately 6:00 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. or 5:15 p.m., according to the media release.
“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), in the media release.
The airport provided 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 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
- 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
Lehigh Valley International Airport is also utilized for transport of freight. According to the media release, 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.
Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority operates and maintains the Lehigh Valley Airport System consisting of Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), Allentown Queen City Municipal Airport, Allentown, and Braden Airpark, Easton.