San Bernardino International Airport Marks a Record Year for Passengers and Aircraft Operations in 2025

Why It Matters

The rapid passenger and operation growth positions SBD as a key secondary hub in Southern California, attracting airlines and investors while bolstering the Inland Empire’s economy.

Key Takeaways

• 62,000 passengers, 50% YoY increase.
• 68,830 operations, 18% YoY rise.
• Breeze Airways fuels growth with SF and Provo routes.
• Five business lines drive diversified revenue.
• $5B economic output, nearly 19k direct jobs.

Pulse Analysis

The surge at San Bernardino International Airport mirrors a broader shift toward secondary airports that can absorb overflow from congested primary hubs. With a 50% increase in passenger traffic, SBD demonstrates how targeted airline partnerships—most notably Breeze Airways’ nonstop service to San Francisco and Provo—can unlock latent demand in underserved markets. Travelers value the airport’s convenience and lower fare structure, prompting a ripple effect that lifts overall regional mobility.

Beyond passenger numbers, SBD’s diversified portfolio of commercial service, air cargo, business aviation, general aviation, and maintenance‑repair‑overhaul (MRO) operations fuels a robust economic multiplier. The airport’s 2024 IMPLAN analysis cited more than $5 billion in economic output and close to 19,000 direct jobs, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between aviation activity and local employment. Cargo carriers and MRO providers benefit from the airport’s strategic location within the Inland Empire, offering faster access to supply chains and manufacturing hubs across Southern California.

Looking ahead, SBD’s record year sets the stage for further expansion. Continued investment in runway capacity, terminal amenities, and ground transportation links could attract additional carriers and increase flight frequencies. As airlines seek cost‑effective alternatives to Los Angeles and Orange County airports, SBD’s proven growth trajectory and supportive business environment position it to capture a larger share of the Southern California aviation market, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for regional economic development.