Watch: Demolition begins on Concourse A at Memphis International Airport
Demolition started at Concourse A at the Memphis International Airport on July 8, 2025.
Memphis International Airport had a banner year when it came to air service.
Glen Thomas, communications director for the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, said the 11 new flights that launched in 2025 at Memphis International mark the highest number in the airport’s post-Delta hub era. (The airport lost its Delta hub status in 2013.)
The previous post-hub record number of new flights launched was 10 in 2015, Thomas said.
“Granted, some of the flights launched this year (2025) were seasonal flights that only ran for a short time, but they indicate the willingness of a particular carrier to test out a certain market,” he said.
Two new flights already have been announced for 2026 at the airport, which is on track to officially be renamed Frederick W. Smith International Airport in the new year to honor the late FedEx founder.
Frontier Airlines plans to start a nonstop, twice-weekly flight to Las Vegas from Memphis International to Harry Reid International Airport on March 8. The Denver-based, low-cost air carrier will also launch a limited spring break nonstop Phoenix route between Memphis and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport starting on March 15.
When it comes to new routes, Thomas said those decisions are left to the air carrier. But he noted the airport will continue to do its due diligence to hopefully attract even more flight options in 2026 for the Memphis area.
“As always, passenger demand dictates the supply,” Thomas said. “For an airline, the passenger demand must be strong enough to justify their costs of operating a nonstop flight. We remain optimistic about our air service efforts and continue to meet regularly with a multitude of airlines.
“These meetings are designed to both keep existing service and explore the possibility of new routes. We also continue to work with our airline partners to promote their routes to passengers.”
Routes added in 2025 at Memphis International Airport
Corey Davis is the Collierville and Germantown reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Corey.Davis@commercialappeal.com or 901-293-1610.
