Waterloo Regional Airport (ALO) is more than just a place to catch a flight—it’s a critical piece of our regional economy. A strong airport helps businesses grow, attracts new investment, and makes the Cedar Valley more competitive. And right now, with improved service, better aircraft, and a stronger schedule, ALO is positioned to be a real asset for our region. But here’s the reality—if we want more service, we have to use the service we have.

Airlines don’t choose airports based on potential; they look at numbers. ALO currently captures only about 5% of its potential passengers, with an average load factor of just 35% over the past two years. That’s well below the 80-85% threshold that gets airlines’ attention. Simply put, if we want more flights and more destinations, we need to fill the planes we already have.

A successful regional airport isn’t just about convenience, it’s about economic opportunity. Air service plays a major role in a community’s ability to attract and retain businesses. Companies looking to expand or relocate consider airport access a key factor. A strong airport means:

• More Jobs – Airports drive employment, both directly and indirectly. Stronger air service supports existing businesses and helps bring new ones to the region.
• Business Growth & Investment – Companies need easy access to national and global markets. If they can’t get where they need to go efficiently, they’ll look elsewhere.
• Talent Attraction & Retention – Today’s workforce values connectivity. A regional airport that offers reliable, competitive service makes it easier to recruit and retain top talent.

Many people assume flying from a larger airport is always cheaper—but that’s not always true. Before booking your next trip, take a few minutes to check fares out of Waterloo. With competitive pricing, shorter security lines, and lower parking costs, choosing ALO can save time and money. And every ticket booked out of Waterloo moves us one step closer to more flights and destinations.

The Cedar Valley is poised for growth. Businesses are expanding, new investments are taking shape, and our workforce is evolving to meet the demands of a changing economy. Our region is gaining momentum as a place where companies want to do business and people want to live and work. But to sustain this progress, we need to support the critical infrastructure that fuels our economy, including our airport. A strong, well-utilized airport strengthens our ability to attract businesses, talent, and opportunities that will drive the Cedar Valley forward.

We say we want more service. The only way we get it is by proving there’s demand. Every ticket counts. Every flight matters. So next time you book a flight, check Waterloo first. A strong airport helps build a strong economy. Let’s fly local.

For more information on ALO, please visit: www.flyalo.com