Air service is not just about convenience. It is about economic competitiveness, jobs and attracting the next generation of talent and opportunity. That is why choosing to fly from the Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport (ROA) is so critical to the future of our region.
The Regional Commission’s economic development planning has identified the improvement of air service as one of the key economic growth opportunities in the region — not just for the airport, but for all the businesses, citizens and visitors it supports. This broader impact aligns perfectly with the Roanoke Regional Chamber’s core mission of promoting, stimulating and improving business. Together, both the chamber and the regional commission recognize that each flight that departs from ROA carries more than passengers — it carries the promise of economic growth. When we book flights locally, we are investing in our region’s prosperity. The more we fly local, the more leverage we have to expand air service. Airlines look closely at passenger demand when deciding where to add routes or larger aircraft. By choosing ROA, we send a powerful signal that this region supports and deserves expanded connectivity.
That message is already being heard. In 2024, the Roanoke-Blacksburg Airport set a new passenger record, serving more than 756,000 travelers — a 2.8% increase over the previous record in 2000. This milestone shows what is possible when our community chooses to fly local, demonstrating to airlines that our market is vibrant, growing and worthy of further investment.
This success is no accident. It reflects the hard work and vision of ROA’s leadership and staff, who are focused on investing in growth and improved service to enhance the traveler experience and strengthen our region’s connectivity. Likewise, this success would not be possible without the ongoing bipartisan support for the airport from Roanoke’s legislative delegation in the General Assembly and our local elected officials through their board and council legislative agendas. On behalf of the business community, we thank both the ROA team and our representatives in the state legislature for their commitment to ensuring this airport continues to serve as a gateway to opportunity for Southwest Virginia.
Despite this progress, ROA faces ongoing challenges that we must work together to address. Today, the airport is serving more travelers than ever, but about 50% of potential passengers in our region still drive to Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham or other airports for their travel, which ultimately benefits the economies of other communities while limiting our own. This “passenger leakage” prevents ROA from attracting additional airlines, expanding flight options and keeping fares competitive. From an airline’s perspective, it is difficult to justify allocating a multimillion-dollar asset to a market where travelers choose to drive elsewhere for air service.
Flying ROA also helps support airport infrastructure enhancements. Grants and loans for improvement projects are tied to passenger activity and flights. Higher passenger numbers and operations strengthen ROA’s ability to pursue critical funding.
In order to reverse this trend, we must underscore that every ticket purchased locally keeps travel dollars in our economy, supports regional jobs and builds the passenger volume that attracts airline investment. Together, our commitment to flying local enhances ROA’s position as a true economic development asset and positions our region for the air service it deserves.
It’s also important to note that the airport supports hundreds of local jobs, ranging from airline staff and TSA agents to maintenance crews and concession workers. Beyond the terminal, more passengers flying into and out of ROA boost hotels, restaurants and countless other businesses that benefit from increased tourism. Each ticket purchased locally helps sustain these jobs and the families behind them.
In addition to supporting local jobs, air service is also critical to attracting and retaining new talent. The next generation of professionals expects connectivity. For many, an airport is a deciding factor in whether a region is an attractive place to live and work. Business leaders, entrepreneurs and students all look for the ability to travel easily. By flying from ROA, we help solidify our reputation as a dynamic, accessible and attractive destination.
Other regions across the country are doubling down on investments in their airports, recognizing the link between air service and long-term economic vitality. We cannot afford to lag behind. Greater usage of ROA will lead to more flights, more tourism, more business travel and greater opportunities to compete in the global economy.
At the end of the day, we must recognize that supporting ROA is not just the responsibility of policymakers or business leaders — it is a collective choice. Each time we decide to book a ticket through Roanoke-Blacksburg instead of another airport, we are casting a vote for the future of this region. We are choosing local jobs, stronger infrastructure and a more vibrant economy. By encouraging greater regional support of ROA, both the Roanoke regional chamber and the regional commission see an opportunity to, in turn, improve the community and economy by maximizing the business climate for generations to come.
So, the next time you plan a trip, think local. Think about the businesses you are supporting, the jobs you are sustaining and the message you are sending. Each flight booked through ROA is more than getting from point A to point B; it is a statement of confidence in the talent, ambition and opportunity of the Roanoke Valley.
Let’s fly local. Let’s fly for the future.
Eric Sichau is president and CEO of the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Jeremy Holmes is executive director of Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission.
