La Crosse Regional Airport recorded a slight drop in passenger numbers in January 2026 as Allegiant Air launched service in February, a move expected to boost traffic.
Summary: La Crosse Regional Airport recorded 3,048 passengers in January 2026, a slight decline ahead of Allegiant Air beginning service in early February. Airport officials expect the new carrier to raise passenger volumes through 2026 after strong 2025 growth that produced 43,125 scheduled passengers.
La Crosse Regional Airport (LSE) opened 2026 with a modest fall in travellers for January, but airport leadership is optimistic that the recent start of Allegiant Air flights will reverse the short-term dip and lift passenger numbers in the months ahead.
January Numbers at a Glance
LSE recorded 3,048 passengers in January 2026. That figure represents a decrease from 3,189 in December 2025 and 3,082 in January 2026, according to airport data released this month.
- January 2026: 3,048 passengers
- December 2025: 3,189 passengers
- Comparison figure cited: 3,082 passengers (January, as reported)
Allegiant Air Begins Service in Early February
The January totals do not reflect passengers travelling on Allegiant Air, which launched operations out of La Crosse in early February 2026. The carrier is known for offering low-cost nonstop flights, typically connecting smaller cities to popular leisure destinations.
Allegiant’s arrival represents an exciting new chapter for La Crosse Regional Airport, said an airport spokesperson.
How 2025 Set the Stage
Despite the minor January decline, 2025 was a positive year overall for La Crosse Regional Airport. The facility handled 43,125 passengers on scheduled flights in 2025, up from 38,339 in 2024 — an increase of 4,786 passengers year-over-year, reflecting a steady recovery in demand.
- 2025 total scheduled passengers: 43,125
- 2024 total scheduled passengers: 38,339
- Year-on-year increase in 2025: 4,786 passengers
- Only November 2025 recorded fewer passengers than November 2024
- Peak months (May–August) exceeded 4,000 passengers each
Expected Impact of Allegiant Service
Airport officials anticipate Allegiant will drive a notable increase in passengers across 2026 by providing affordable nonstop options to popular vacation markets. The airline’s typical route profile — linking smaller communities to Sun Belt and resort destinations — should broaden choices for both leisure and business travellers in the La Crosse area.
Plans for Continued Growth
Beyond the immediate boost from Allegiant, airport management and local officials are pursuing a broader strategy to diversify carriers and destinations. This includes efforts to attract additional airlines, explore new routes, and invest in terminal amenities to enhance the passenger experience and support sustained traffic growth.
While January’s dip is a short-term fluctuation, the combination of last year’s gains and the new low-cost service points to a potentially stronger 2026 for the airport and the region it serves.
Why this matters: For travellers, Allegiant’s direct flights mean more convenient and often cheaper options to reach popular destinations without connecting through larger hubs. For the local economy, increased air service can translate into more tourism, easier business travel, and broader access for residents — all factors that support regional growth and connectivity.
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