Central Wyoming Regional Airport boasts record-setting enplanements in 2024

RIVERTON (WNE) — Last year marked a major hallmark for the Central Wyoming Regional Airport in Riverton. The airport tallied 21,704 departing passengers, surpassing its previous record of 16,847 set in 2008.

“Having the right service made this achievement possible,” noted Fremont Air Service Team member Missy White. “SkyWest Airlines, operating as United Express, connects us to Denver and beyond, which has become a tremendous asset for the business community and Fremont County residents. We know it’s important for people to get to sales meetings and educational conferences, to doctors’ visits, and to have a reliable way to visit family.”

The airport connects riders with connecting flights in Denver, where they can hop on a flight to more than 180 destinations around the world.

Last year in June, the airport added back the second daily flight to Denver after it had been reduced to just one flight for more than two years. With it, came more passengers – but also more expense.

The local subsidy for air service went from around $333,000 in fiscal year 2021 to $630,000 in 2024. And, as voters rejected the half-percent sales tax for economic development on the November ballot – which funded the lion’s share of the airport subsidy – air service in Riverton is facing the need to find another stable funding source.

Fans of the commercial air service hub say the growing passenger numbers highlight a local need for the service.

“It’s clear there is a market for commercial air service in Fremont County,” explained Riverton City Administrator Kyle Butterfield. “The right air service partner, the right schedule, and the right number of flights have brought that market to life – which has improved the quality of life for our residents and economic development opportunities for our businesses.”

This story was published on January 22, 2025.