MANHATTAN (KSNT) – Manhattan’s airport is celebrating some major achievements earned in 2025 including setting a new passenger records.
Manhattan Regional Airport Director Brandon Keazer announced in a press release on Jan. 20 that MHK passed several important milestones last year. MHK recorded a new record of just over 83,000 plane boardings and and a total of a little more than 166,600 passengers through its American Airlines services, surpassing previous records set in 2024 and marking an increase of around 2% year over year
“MHK closed the year with a new all‑time passenger travel record, marking our second consecutive record year,” Keazer said. “This milestone underscores sustained regional demand and strong traveler confidence in Manhattan Regional Airport. We appreciate the community’s support and look forward to building on this momentum in 2026.”
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Keazer said MHK also hit several operational and infrastructure milestones such as in May 2025 when it set an all-time monthly record of just over 8,300 plane boardings. Over the course of 2025, MHK also recorded more than 30,500 aircraft operations, including nearly 120 military and athletic charter flights.
“The Manhattan Regional Airport continues to grow as an important asset for our community, serving the needs of residents as well as our military, university and business partners,” said Manhattan Mayor Susan Adamchak. “The infrastructure enhancements of expanded runway, additional hangars, and soon a new taxiway all contribute to the safety and convenience of flying through MHK. With direct flights to Chicago and Dallas on ever-larger planes, we have come a long way from taking a six-seater to Topeka!”
MHK has also added eight new general aviation hangars which has expanded its capacity for based aircraft, increasing hangar rental revenue and pushing higher fuel sales. The addition of the new hangars came through funds provided through a Federal Aviation Administration grant and the State of Kansas Build Kansas fund.
Keazer said MHK started reconstruction work on the primary airport taxiway that serves the main runway in 2025. Design work is scheduled to wrap up by the end of April this year, after which MHK will seek out construction bids and apply for an FAA grant to help cover 95% of the total projected costs. Construction is set to start in late 2026 and continue into 2027.
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