Erie International Airport has been a fixture in Erie County for decades, evolving significantly over time as air carriers have come and gone.

These days, two times a week, Breeze Airways lights up the runway at the Erie International Airport, marking a new era for regional travel.

"With Breeze coming in, we now have some diversity of travel," said Derek Martin, executive director of the airport. "Now, we can meet the leisure travel needs and the business travelers' needs."

"The name we use is Erie International," said Martin. "A lot of people seem to be confused. We have U.S. Customs and Border Protection here, so we can clear international passengers."

The airport has seen its share of transitions over the years.

"Pre-pandemic, we had American, we had United, we had Delta," said Ralph Ford, chair of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.

Currently, American Airlines offers nonstop flights to Charlotte, North Carolina, while Breeze Airways, a low-cost carrier that began operations earlier this year, provides nonstop flights to Tampa and Orlando, Florida.

Could there be more destinations offered by the low-cost carrier in the next year or so?"

"There's a lot of destinations that Breeze flies to that we'd love to have here,"  said Martin. "We've had conversations with them about Ft. Lauderdale. It could be a good mix for next winter."

Martin also said there are ongoing discussions with all the major carriers to add another destination out of Erie.

That’s where the Fly Erie Fund plays a crucial role. Overseen by the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnerhsip, the fund provides a minimum operating revenue guarantee to ensure airline profitability.

"It's pretty amazing if you think about it," said Ford. "Business, community leaders, and organizations coming together to say, 'We think it's so important, we're going to help make them profitable.'"

It's all to boost air service for families and individuals, offering the local convenience to fly to or from Erie.

Information about the airport and its flights is available online here.