Watertown Regional Airport: Poised for Growth with New Flights and Infrastructure Upgrades
- Steve Jurrens
- Feb 11
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Watertown Regional Airport (ATY) is entering a new era of connectivity and expansion, as highlighted by Airport Manager Ian Meriwether in a recent interview with News Broadcaster Steve Jurrens at Northeast Radio SD. From increased passenger traffic to long-term infrastructure investments, the airport is reinforcing its position as a vital economic engine for the region.
Surging Passenger Growth and New Hub Connections
A major shift occurred when the airport transitioned its primary flight routes from Chicago to Denver and Minneapolis-St. Paul. While Meriwether noted a slow start as travelers adjusted to their new routines, the numbers now tell a story of success.
Passenger traffic to Minneapolis saw a 43% increase compared to previous Chicago routes, with January numbers up 7% year-over-year.
“Minneapolis has been a huge reason for weathering the slump months of January and February,” Meriwether explained. “Travelers are finding that East Coast connections flow better through Minneapolis, while West Coast trips to cities like Seattle, San Francisco, and Portland—our number one connection—are easily managed through Denver.”
The airport currently partners with SkyWest Airlines, operating under agreements with United and Delta, providing local travelers with seamless booking and baggage transfers to major global hubs.
Unlocking Land for Economic Development
Beyond the terminal, the airport is taking steps to better utilize its land. Meriwether discussed the recent “NEPA release” (National Environmental Policy Act), a process that cleared historically restricted land for development.
Some of these land provisions date back to the early 1900s and were originally designated for national emergency use by the Department of Defense. With the new clearances, the City of Watertown now has the authority to sell or develop these parcels, opening the door for future economic projects.
Infrastructure and Amenities
The airport isn’t just about commercial travel; it serves a diverse “General Aviation” (GA) community. Meriwether highlighted several key features:
· New Terminal Improvements: The modernized 26,000 sq. ft. terminal offers a streamlined experience.
· Local Dining: Danger von Dempsey’s Pizza, an award-winning local favorite, operates within the airport, drawing both travelers and local employees.
· Hangar Expansion: Plans are underway to increase hangar space to accommodate more private and corporate aircraft.
· Cost-Saving Perks: Meriwether emphasized the convenience of free parking, saving local travelers significantly compared to larger regional airports.
Safety and Operations
Operating an airport requires constant vigilance. Meriwether revealed that the airport staff—a lean team of six full-time employees—manages everything from snow removal to rigorous safety inspections. ATY complies with federal Part 139 regulations, which include:
· Annual Training: Staff is trained on 22 different safety topics annually.
· Emergency Drills: The airport conducts full-scale emergency exercises every three years, involving local hospitals, fire departments, and search and rescue teams.
A Message to Travelers
As Watertown Regional Airport continues to grow, Meriwether’s advice to the community is simple: Check ATY first. “There’s a common misconception that Sioux Falls is always cheaper. That’s just not the case,” Meriwether said. He encourages anyone with booking issues or fare discrepancies to contact his office directly, noting that his team often works with airlines to troubleshoot software or routing issues that may affect local prices.
With daily flights to major hubs and a commitment to community-focused service, Watertown Regional Airport is proving that “flying local” is not just a convenience but a smart travel choice.
