New Economic Impact Study Shows $1.07 Billion Annual Contribution from Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport
Airport supports more than 5,600 jobs and generates $62 million in state and local tax revenue
South Burlington, VT — A new economic impact assessment shows that Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (Leahy BTV) contributes $1.07 billion in annual economic activity to Vermont and supports 5,646 jobs statewide, reinforcing the airport’s role as a key driver of economic growth, tourism, and regional connectivity.
The report evaluates the economic contributions generated by airport operations, visitor spending, military activity, and capital investments associated with Leahy BTV. Together, these activities support $325 million in annual labor income; up 91% in eight years, and generate more than $62 million in state and local tax revenue; an increase of 81% since the last economic impact assessment in 2018.
“Leahy BTV plays a vital role in connecting Vermont residents, businesses, and visitors to the national economy,” said Nic Longo, Director of Aviation at the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport. “This study underscores that the airport is far more than a transportation hub—it is a powerful economic engine that fuels job creation, strengthens local businesses, and drives growth and opportunity across Vermont and the entire region.”
The assessment found that 3,807 direct jobs are tied to airport operations and activity, including airline employees, airport staff, military personnel, concession employees, and businesses operating on airport property. Additional indirect and induced economic activity generated through supply chains and household spending supports another 1,869 jobs throughout Vermont.
Tourism remains a major contributor to Leahy BTV’s economic impact. Each year, an estimated 353,892 visitors arrive through the airport, generating approximately $161.4 million in regional visitor spending that supports hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, and other local businesses.
The study also highlights the long-term value of airport infrastructure. Leahy BTV’s existing facilities—including runways, terminals, and aviation infrastructure—represent an estimated $808 million in physical assets, with a total replacement value exceeding $1.4 billion.
Taken together, the airport’s economic activity and infrastructure value represent an estimated $1.88 billion regional asset, reflecting 80% growth since the airport’s previous economic impact analysis in 2018, when the total value was $1.043 billion.
As Vermont’s largest transportation hub, Leahy BTV provides critical connectivity for residents, businesses, and visitors throughout Vermont, northern New England, and neighboring regions of New York and Canada.
“Air service plays a crucial role in Vermont’s economic competitiveness,” said Jeff Bartley, Director of Innovation & Marketing. “Looking ahead, continued investment in connectivity will strengthen tourism, attract business investment, and support workforce mobility and long-term regional development. As commercial travel, electric aviation, and workforce development increasingly converge, Leahy BTV will continue advancing a future that is boundless in vision, transcendent in purpose, and visionary in execution.”
The full economic impact report is available here.
###
About the Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport
Leahy BTV, a Top 5 Small Airport in the U.S., as named by USA Today, is located adjacent to Burlington, Vermont, just ten minutes from Lake Champlain. Business and leisure travelers alike appreciate Leahy BTV’s friendliness and direct flights to: Atlanta (ATL) via Delta, Charleston, SC via Breeze Airways, Charlotte (CLT) via American Airlines, Chicago (ORD) via United, Denver (DEN) via United, Detroit (DTW) via Delta, Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) via Sun Country Airlines and Delta, New York City (JFK, LGA, EWR) via United and Delta, Philadelphia (PHL) via American Airlines, Washington, DC (IAD) via United, Washington, DC (DCA) via American Airlines, Orlando (MCO) via Breeze Airways, Tampa (TPA) Breeze Airways, Jacksonville (JAX), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), and Fort Myers (RSW) via Breeze Airways. Book your getaway today at btv.aero.
