Fort Smith Airport Reports Decline in Passenger Traffic

The regional airport saw a 21% drop in monthly enplanements during September 2026 compared to the previous year.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Air Travel

Fort Smith Airport Reports Decline in Passenger Traffic

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Should your local airport prioritize recruiting new airlines to increase the number of available flights?

Fort Smith Regional Airport reported that enplanements fell 5.4% through the first nine months of 2026. The facility served 4,960 passengers in September 2026, marking a 21% decrease from September 2025.

Why it matters

The decline in total passenger volume is largely attributed to a reduction in scheduled departures. To address this, the airport has contracted with consultants to pursue new flight markets.

Total enplanements for the first nine months of 2026 reached 44,636, down from 47,196 during the same period in 2025. Despite lower volume, the average load factor rose from 68% to 77.2%.

The players

Fort Smith Regional Airport

This facility serves as the primary aviation hub for the Fort Smith area and surrounding region.

American Airlines

This major carrier currently operates approximately three daily flights from Fort Smith to Dallas-Fort Worth.

Mead & Hunt

This consulting firm based in Middleton, Wisconsin, was hired to assist the airport in recruiting new airlines and markets.

Delta Air Lines

This national airline previously maintained a direct service route from Fort Smith to Atlanta.

The details

The drop in overall traffic stems from fewer flight options compared to prior years. Airport leadership has hired a consultant to help recruit new airline partners and expand service offerings.

Delta Air Lines ended direct service to Atlanta in July 2020.
American Airlines operated four to five daily flights in 2021.
The airport received a $1.145 million federal grant in August 2022.
Monthly enplanements fell 21% in September 2026 compared to 2025.
Total enplanements fell 5.4% during the first nine months of 2026.

Travel Outlook

The current decline in passenger traffic marks a continuation of the connectivity challenges faced by the airport since the 2020 discontinuation of Delta Air Lines direct service to Atlanta. Recruitment efforts represent a strategic attempt to restore regional air service levels.

Travelers should verify flight schedules in advance as the airport currently operates a limited number of daily departures. Passengers may face higher load factors, potentially resulting in fewer available seat options on flights to Dallas-Fort Worth.

The takeaway

Airport officials are actively working to reverse passenger declines through professional recruitment strategies for new markets. Local travelers can expect to see efforts focused on expanding available flight options in the future.