North Carolina’s aviation industry contributes $88 billion each year to the state’s economy and supports more than 427,000 jobs statewide, according to the 2025 North Carolina: The State of Aviation report.
The biennial report examines the economic influence of the state’s aviation system, which includes 10 commercial service airports and 62 general aviation airports. “These facilities play a vital role in supporting diverse sectors such as agriculture, military operations, emergency response and aerospace innovation,” the North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of Aviation, which released the report today, said.
The state’s airports are also seeing significant growth in passenger services, with total passenger counts climbing to 74.3 million annually. These commercial service facilities connect travelers to 188 airline destinations, supporting business and leisure travel while enhancing the state’s global connectivity, the report said.
These numbers include an increase at the Halifax-Northampton Regional Airport. “The economic output increase from $16.34 million in 2023 to $42.17 million in 2025 signals broader economic growth for our region,” said Halifax County Economic Development Director Cathy Scott. “This growth is a testament to the collaborative efforts of local, regional, and state partners in leveraging this asset for economic development. We are excited about what the future holds for Halifax County as we continue to capitalize on the opportunities presented by our airport.”
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Scott said the airport — IXA — has become an “important conduit for economic development. Just last month, we had a company fly in for a site visit. We met at the airport, held our meeting in the conference room, then drove to the site for the site tour. The company was able to accomplish their business in Halifax County within a two-hour window.”
According to the report, which can be read in detail at this link, IXA has an impact on 140 jobs; a personal income impact of $10,570,000; a state and local tax impact of $9,153,000; and an economic output of $42,170,000.
Halifax County Deputy County Manager Christina Wells said the numbers in the State of Aviation report came from N.C. State’s Institute for Transportation Research and Education. The data is from 2023.
According to the impact analysis methodology, the general aviation airport analysis quantifies the impact of jobs supported by the airport directly, jobs supported by businesses that rely on the airport, and the impact of visitors.
As far as the local airport’s impact on tourism, Lori Medlin, president and CEO of the Halifax County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said, “The Halifax-Northampton Regional Airport is a vital asset to our community and economy, welcoming approximately 100 flights each month.” Medlin said IXA connects Halifax County to broader markets “and enhances our ability to attract visitors, businesses, and events to the area. As a gateway for travelers, it underscores our commitment to making Halifax County accessible and inviting to all."
According to the state, the report highlights the industry’s substantial economic impact and the vital role local airports play.
"North Carolina’s aviation industry is not only a cornerstone of our economy, but also a key driver of innovation,” said Nick Short, interim director of the NCDOT Division of Aviation. “This report highlights the critical role our airports play in fostering economic growth, supporting new technologies, and positioning the state as a leader in the future of aviation."
Local communities earn significant returns from the state's general aviation facilities, where nearly 4,000 aircraft generate $6.8 million in local property tax revenues. A single $15 million aircraft based at Hickory Regional Airport, for instance, generates the same property taxes as 60 typical homes, without the high level of public infrastructure residential areas require.
