Jackson Airport Prepares for a Busy Holiday Travel Season
As the holiday season unfolds, travel activity is on the rise. The Thanksgiving holiday was marked as one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, and it looks like this trend will continue into the new year. The Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport is also gearing up for a bustling travel season.
Insights from CEO Rosa Beckett on Airport Growth
Rosa Beckett, the airport’s Chief Executive Officer, has shared her vision for the future of the airport, which serves more Mississippians than any other airport in the state. Recently, she spoke with local media about the airport’s developments, including passenger trends and upcoming routes.
Passenger Trends for 2026
Beckett is optimistic about continued growth in passenger numbers. “In the last two years, we’ve seen an increase in outgoing passengers,” she noted. “We expect this trend to carry on into 2026.” During the budgeting process, projections indicated about a 3% increase in traffic, translating to around 1.3 million passengers using the airport.
New Routes and Airline Partnerships
The airport is actively looking to expand its service routes. Through an Air Service Development plan, they analyzed travel data within a two-hour radius of Jackson to understand where potential travelers want to go. Beckett hinted that an announcement regarding a new route would be made soon.
Recruiting New Airlines
Beckett has been in talks with various airlines to bring more options to Jackson. “In 2025 alone, I’ve had 16 meetings with different airlines,” she stated. These discussions involve both current airlines like Delta and Southwest, as well as potential new entrants like Spirit and Frontier. The goal is to showcase the airport’s capabilities and passenger demand.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While there are opportunities for growth, Beckett acknowledged some challenges. “We have the capacity and two runways to handle more flights,” she explained. “However, improving the terminal’s aesthetics is also a priority to enhance the overall travel experience.” The airport is the only one in Mississippi equipped to handle low-visibility landings, making it an attractive option for diverted flights from nearby cities.
Future Terminal Improvements
Beckett shared plans for modernizing and possibly expanding the airport terminal. An infrastructure assessment completed last year showed positive results for repurposing parts of the existing terminal, allowing for phased development without disruption to ongoing operations.
Enhancing Food and Service Options
In terms of amenities, Beckett is excited about recent upgrades to food services at the airport. “In my time here, we’ve opened and remodeled both full-service restaurants and added Dunkin’ Donuts locations,” she shared. More expansions in food services are being considered, but specific plans are still under wraps.
Impact of Local Partnerships on Economic Development
Beckett discussed a proposed settlement with Rankin County and local cities, which aims to clarify development opportunities near the airport. With new infrastructure coming into play, there are hopes that utility access will accelerate property development, which will ultimately benefit the airport’s growth and economic impact.
“Economic development is a team sport, and we all believe in that,” Beckett expressed, highlighting the collaborative efforts between the airport and local stakeholders.
Looking Ahead
The future looks bright for Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers Airport. With plans for new routes, improved services, and ongoing partnerships, the airport aims to enhance its role as a key travel hub in Mississippi. As the holiday season brings an influx of travelers, the airport is ready to meet the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
