Lewiston Airport projects $661K operating deficit after United pullout; director outlines capital plan and terminal options

Lewiston Airport Director Michael Isaacs told the June 17 joint Lewiston City Council and Nez Perce County Commission meeting that the airport expects a fiscal-year operating shortfall of approximately $660,981 in fiscal 2025 after the loss of United Airlines service in February. Isaacs presented revenue and expense projections, planned capital projects largely funded through Federal Aviation Administration grants, and options from a recent terminal-area study.

Isaacs said the airport’s non-air revenue (land and non-aviation leases) is the largest single revenue source at about $336,000, followed by parking at $251,000 and aeronautical revenue at $168,000. He said the airport board voted to increase daily parking from $5 to $6 to remain competitive and recoup lost ancillary revenue after United left. "Last year, the board voted the airport board voted to increase our parking fees from $5 to $6 per day per car…to make up the loss revenue for less vehicles in the parking lot,"…