LEWISTON – Airfares at the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport (LWS) have seen a dramatic decline since 2021, offering significant savings to travelers. The airport’s fares have dropped by 18% in 2023, from an average of $298 to $243 per one-way trip, according to the Bureau of Transportation statistics. This reduction, spurred by new service options, is expected to save consumers approximately $6 million annually.
The decline in fares is largely attributed to the introduction of Delta Air Lines service from Lewiston to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in October 2023, which complements existing flights to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Additionally, United Airlines continues its daily service to Denver International Airport (DEN).
In 2021, Lewiston’s airfares were 33% higher than the national average. By the first quarter of 2024, fares had dropped to 12% below the national average, marking a 45-percentage point improvement.
Mike Isaacs, the airport director, praised the collaboration between local government and the airport’s corporate partners. “A strong resurgence in commercial airline passengers would not have been possible without the vision and commitment from airport sponsors, the City of Lewiston, and Nez Perce County,” Isaacs said. He added that the corporate community’s positive response to new and expanded service to three major connecting hubs has been instrumental in lowering fares.
The influx of passengers has also boosted local tourism. American Cruise Lines, a Connecticut-based company, flew a record 8,300 cruise passengers into Lewiston this season, booking over 4,000 hotel rooms in the area. The availability of flights to three major hubs played a crucial role in supporting this increased traffic.
The success of LWS has been further supported by financial initiatives, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from Nez Perce County and surplus funding from the City of Lewiston. United Airlines was attracted to the airport through a Minimum Revenue Guarantee provided by these funds.
The Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport is located two miles south of Lewiston, Idaho, and is owned jointly by the City of Lewiston and Nez Perce County. With its dependable service, the airport encourages travelers to “Fly LWS when it matters the most.”
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