At the April 30 meeting of the Metropolitan Airport Authority of Peoria at General Wayne A. Downing Airport, board members reported on the state of flight in the area.

Director of Airports Gene Olson noted that REAL ID deadline was May 7 and longer wait times are anticipated.

Marketing consultant Ailevon Pacific reported 2023 and 2024 were good years for aviation, with a 6% increase in 2024. The consultant noted Peoria is the only airport in central Illinois to see growth by demand in the last five years. In the first quarter of 2025, Peoria had a 13% increase over the first quarter of 2019. Peoria has 23% additional capacity compared to 2024.

However, air traffic control nationally has shortages of at least 3,000. Four of the major airlines decreased their forecasts due to a decrease in consumer confidence and economic uncertainty. Domestic capacity is seen as flat to down in 2025.

— League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria observers attend and report on local government meetings. Go to lwvgp.org