Sonoma County Airport Sees Record Passenger Numbers in 2025

Despite the departure of Avelo Airlines, the airport's existing carriers Alaska and American drove a 1% year-over-year increase.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 7:55pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport wrapped up 2025 with a record 780,637 passengers, up 1% from the previous year. The growth was fueled by Alaska Airlines and American Airlines, which both saw record years, offsetting the loss of Avelo Airlines. The airport is also looking forward to the arrival of Southwest Airlines in 2026, which will add new nonstop flights to key markets.

Why it matters

The Sonoma County airport's record passenger numbers demonstrate its resilience and growing importance as a regional transportation hub, despite facing challenges like the departure of Avelo Airlines. The addition of Southwest Airlines is expected to further boost the airport's profile and connectivity.

The details

While Avelo Airlines closed its hub at the airport in May 2025, Alaska Airlines and American Airlines stepped up to drive the record passenger numbers. Alaska added more frequencies to existing markets and began service to Palm Springs, while American used larger planes and added more flights to Phoenix. Southwest Airlines also announced it will begin service to the airport in April 2026, with nonstop flights to San Diego, Las Vegas, Burbank, and Denver.

  • The airport wrapped up 2025 with 780,637 passengers, a 1% increase over 2024.
  • Avelo Airlines closed its hub at the airport in May 2025 and announced it would leave the airport altogether in August.
  • Alaska Airlines added service to Palm Springs in October 2025.
  • Southwest Airlines announced it will begin service to the airport on April 7, 2026.
  • Southwest will initially fly to Denver once a week, but will increase service to five days a week starting August 26, 2026.

The players

Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport

A regional airport serving Sonoma County, California.

Jon Stout

The Airport Manager at Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport.

Alaska Airlines

An American airline that provides service to the Sonoma County airport, including new routes to Palm Springs.

American Airlines

An American airline that provides service to the Sonoma County airport, including increased flights to Phoenix.

Southwest Airlines

An American airline that will begin service to the Sonoma County airport in April 2026, with nonstop flights to San Diego, Las Vegas, Burbank, and Denver.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'll take the 1%.”

— Jon Stout, Airport Manager

“The demand is definitely there … and we will continue to work with them to increase beyond that.”

— Jon Stout, Airport Manager

“We had the (roller coaster) high with Southwest announcing they're going to come to town. And through it all, American and Alaska continue to do what they do and are growing. So, steady and consistent wins the race every time.”

— Jon Stout, Airport Manager

What’s next

Southwest Airlines will begin service to the Sonoma County airport on April 7, 2026, with nonstop flights to San Diego, Las Vegas, Burbank, and Denver. The airline will initially fly to Denver once a week, but will increase service to five days a week starting August 26, 2026.

The takeaway

The Sonoma County airport's record passenger numbers in 2025, driven by the steady performance of Alaska and American Airlines, demonstrate the airport's resilience and growing importance as a regional transportation hub. The impending arrival of Southwest Airlines in 2026 is expected to further boost the airport's connectivity and profile.