Coastal Carolina Regional Airport ready to reach new heights in 2025

NEW BERN, N.C. (WITN) - Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) is preparing for a big year in 2025, and it’ll include several achievements and additions to the airport.

Airline Breeze Airways will be celebrating its first anniversary at EWN this May. EWN officials say Breeze Airways has significantly contributed to the airport’s 41% overall increase in passenger traffic in 2024.

The airline has been connecting travelers to nonstop destinations like Hartford, Connecticut, and Orlando, Florida.

Officials say American Airlines will also be introducing a larger, dual-class aircraft to its daily service at EWN early this year to enhance passenger comfort.

“The new aircraft shows how much confidence American Airlines has in our market,” said Airport Director Andrew Shorter. “It’s great news for travelers and for our growing region.”

A recently released report from the NCDOT called “The State of Aviation” report shows that EWN supported more than 2,000 jobs, generated more than $20 million in state and local tax revenue and created an economic output of $346 million for the region.

According to the report, statewide, airports contribute over $88 billion annually, which is 11% of North Carolina’s GDP.

“Eastern North Carolina is growing fast, and Coastal Carolina Regional Airport is a big part of that success,” said Owen Andrews, Chairman of The Craven 100 Alliance (C1A). “At C1A, we work to grow Craven County’s economy by investing in infrastructure, real estate, and local businesses. EWN’s progress shows how much potential our region has.”

Shorter says EWN is ready to continue building on the success they achieved in 2024 this year.

“As we look to 2025, we’re excited about what’s ahead,” he said. “From Breeze Airways' continued success to American Airlines' increased capacity and the completion of our terminal expansion in 2025, EWN is ready to reach new heights.”