Santa Barbara Airport Sets New Passenger Record in 2025

Passenger traffic reached an all-time high of 1.48 million travelers, up 4.4% from 2024.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:07pm

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Santa Barbara Airport saw its busiest year on record in 2025, with nearly 1.5 million passengers traveling through the airport, a 4.4% increase over 2024. The airport advanced several air service, infrastructure, and community initiatives to support the growth in passenger traffic.

Why it matters

The record-breaking passenger numbers at Santa Barbara Airport reflect the growing popularity of the region as a travel destination, both for leisure and business travelers. The airport's expansion of air service and community engagement initiatives have helped to drive this growth and cement its role as an important economic engine for the local area.

The details

Passenger totals reached 1.48 million travelers in 2025, up from 1.41 million in 2024. The airport announced the return of two nonstop routes to Chicago and San Diego that will begin in 2026, as well as increased daily service to major West Coast and regional hubs. In 2026, the airport is expected to offer service from five airlines with 13 nonstop destinations and approximately 26 daily flights.

  • Passenger traffic reached 1.48 million in 2025, the highest annual count in the airport's history.
  • Passenger totals climbed to around 1.22 million in 2022 and 1.28 million in 2023.
  • Passenger traffic reached 1.41 million in 2024, setting the stage for the record-breaking year in 2025.
  • United Airlines will begin daily nonstop flights between Santa Barbara and Chicago O'Hare on April 6, 2026.
  • Nonstop flights between Santa Barbara and San Diego will resume in 2026, operated by Alaska Airlines starting April 22 and Southwest Airlines starting August 4.

The players

Santa Barbara Airport

The airport that recorded the highest passenger footfall in its history in 2025, with nearly 1.5 million travelers.

United Airlines

An airline that will begin daily nonstop flights between Santa Barbara and Chicago O'Hare International Airport in April 2026.

Alaska Airlines

An airline that will begin nonstop flights between Santa Barbara and San Diego International Airport in April 2026.

Southwest Airlines

An airline that will begin nonstop flights between Santa Barbara and San Diego International Airport in August 2026.

Delta Air Lines

An airline that will expand its Salt Lake City service to three daily flights from Santa Barbara in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in Santa Barbara, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee

What’s next

The airport is expected to offer service from five airlines, with 13 nonstop destinations and approximately 26 daily flights in 2026, improving connectivity for both leisure and business travelers.

The takeaway

The record-breaking passenger numbers at Santa Barbara Airport reflect the growing popularity of the region as a travel destination, supported by the airport's efforts to expand air service and improve the passenger experience through community initiatives.