Watertown Regional Airport Closes 2025 with Strong December Travel Numbers

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Watertown Regional Airport (ATY) concluded the 2025 travel year with a healthy December performance, recording 1,405 passenger enplanements. The year-end data highlights a balanced distribution of travelers utilizing the airport’s dual hubs, with 757 passengers flying through Denver and 648 traveling via Minneapolis–St. Paul.

The December figures bring the total to 14,028 enplanements for the 2025 calendar year. This total reflects a steady holding pattern for the facility compared to the 14,157 enplanements recorded in 2024, a notable feat given that the airport navigated a commercial carrier transition midyear.

Airport Manager Ian Meriwether-Chalfant expressed optimism regarding the community’s engagement with local air service.

“It’s great to see the support we’ve been receiving; it really shows that the city and surrounding communities are choosing ATY,” Meriwether-Chalfant said. “While there’s still work ahead to fine-tune these routes, improvement is always the goal. I’m committed to making sure Watertown has the best air travel options possible and continuing to build on that momentum.”

The year-end data aligns with established seasonal trends for the region. Historical patterns show that while the spring and summer months typically see the highest volume of travelers, December remains a vital period for holiday transit before the traditional dip during the colder winter months.

The City of Watertown extended its appreciation to residents and regional travelers for their continued reliance on the local airport throughout the year’s transitions.

For residents with questions or those requiring travel assistance, the airport staff can be reached at (605) 882-6209. Information regarding flight schedules and booking options is available online at www.watertownsd.us/airport.