Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce
8 N. Main Street | Suite 100 | Dayton, Ohio 45402-1904 | (937) 226-1444
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VIEW ARTICLE AS FEATURED IN THE DAYTON DAILY NEWS
July 26, 2026 – On June 24, the Dayton International Airport (DAY) made one of its most significant announcements in the past 25 years. Breeze Airways revealed it will launch service this fall with four new destinations and the opportunity for additional routes to come.
The announcement was about more than new flights. It was a vote of confidence in the Dayton region. Breeze Airways is investing here because it recognizes what many of us already know: our economy is strong, our business community is growing, and our region is well-positioned for the future. Combined with other recent service announcements, this marks a clear shift in momentum for Dayton International Airport.
Success like this doesn’t happen by chance. It is the result of a deliberate strategy to strengthen business air service and ensure our employers have convenient access to customers, suppliers, and colleagues across the country. Building a stronger airport requires long-term planning, disciplined execution, and regional collaboration.
The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce works closely with the leadership team at Dayton International Airport to ensure the needs of the business community are reflected in air service development efforts. Because the airport is a federally regulated entity, it cannot legally raise private funds to incentivize new airline service. That’s where organizations like the Chamber and JobsOhio play an essential role.
Working together, we connect resources from businesses, local governments to help reduce the financial risk associated with launching new routes. Our region’s employers and local governments understand that expanded air service is critical to economic growth, and they have consistently stepped forward to support these efforts. JobsOhio has demonstrated its commitment through the Commercial Air Service Restoration Program, recognizing that strong air connectivity is essential to attracting investment, creating jobs, and growing Ohio’s economy.
Financial support, however, is only part of the equation. Airlines also evaluate the overall passenger experience, and the Dayton International Airport offers advantages that are difficult to match. With its central location, convenient parking, short TSA wait times, and business traveler lounge, DAY provides one of the most efficient and stress-free travel experiences in the country.
The timing is also favorable. Over the next several years, construction on the new Brent Spence Bridge in Cincinnati is expected to create significant traffic disruptions for travelers from the north heading to CVG. At the same time, CMH in Columbus is undertaking a $2 billion terminal redevelopment that is impacting airport access and operations. These projects present a unique opportunity for Dayton International Airport to demonstrate its convenience and reliability to travelers throughout the region.
The progress we’re seeing today is the result of a shared vision and sustained collaboration to execute a thoughtful, long-term strategy that will strengthen our airport and support our economy for decades to come.
This exciting growth has led us to a pivotal moment. Now is the time for everyone in the community to do their part to support the airport growth we have been demanding. Filling all of the planes and flying out of DAY is critical to supporting these new flights and ensuring new air service destinations in the future. With over 1.5 million people in the DAY catchment area and the logistics hassles of CMH and CVG, now is the time to fly DAY.
Chris Kershner
President & CEO
Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce
On June 24, the Dayton International Airport (DAY) made one of its most significant announcements in the past 25 years. Breeze Airways revealed it will launch service this fall with four new destinations and the opportunity for additional routes to come.
The announcement was about more than new flights. It was a vote of confidence in the Dayton region. Breeze Airways is investing here because it recognizes what many of us already know: our economy is strong, our business community is growing, and our region is well-positioned for the future. Combined with other recent service announcements, this marks a clear shift in momentum for Dayton International Airport.
8 N. Main Street | Suite 100 | Dayton, Ohio 45402-1904 | (937) 226-1444
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