Helena Regional Airport to add seats, pursue terminal expansion in 2026

Helena Regional Airport plans to expand seat capacity and pursue terminal and campus improvements in 2026 as part of an updated master plan intended to guide development over the next 20 years. Airport Director Jeff Wadekamper said the airport will see a rise in available seats next year and is pressing to bring new routes and larger aircraft to Helena.

“In 2026, we're gonna have just over 136,000 outbound seats,” Jeff Wadekamper said, noting the increase from roughly 125,000 outbound seats the airport currently offers. Wadekamper added, “In terms of seats, we have more seats now than we've ever had,” and framed the work as both facility planning and active outreach to carriers: “To get more air service, we are on a parallel track and have to make sure that we are planning the terminal facility, the airfield, and all supporting elements properly.”

The airport currently hosts Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines and operates five daily outbound flights to Seattle, Salt Lake City and Denver. Passenger activity has been trending upward: Helena saw a 13 percent increase in passengers in 2024 and a slight increase in 2025 despite a year of “changes and challenges.” Airport officials are using those gains to justify expansion planning while acknowledging industry constraints. Airlines are retiring smaller 50-seat jets and shifting to 76-seat aircraft, and carriers nationwide are generally short on available planes, a dynamic that complicates efforts to secure new routes.

The master plan update covers the entire 1,400-acre airport campus and the next 20 years of growth. Mike Carlson, an aviation planner with Morrison Maierle, said the plan links projects to activity levels rather than fixed calendar years: “These projects that we identify are tied to activity levels rather than necessarily years, so that incorporates some flexibility.” Potential terminal improvements under consideration include adding two more gates, expanding concourse space and increasing baggage claim capacity. The Federal Aviation Administration provides funding for expansion projects identified in an approved master plan, a factor airport leaders cite as important to moving projects forward.

For travelers, the airport is emphasizing operational changes and document requirements. Global Entry enrollment is now available in Helena. Travelers should note that a new Real ID requirement takes effect Feb. 1, 2026; without a Real ID or acceptable alternative such as a passport, passengers will need to use TSA’s Confirm ID program. The airport also reiterates strict airline check-in deadlines: passengers must be at the boarding gate at least 45 minutes before departure, and the airport recommends arriving 90 minutes early to protect schedules.

Local residents voiced support for growth tied to better service. Brian Elliott said, “Whatever we can do to improve this place, I think it's just more people kind of understand it's a great resource, right?” Jason Seyler added that “more options and cheaper flights” would encourage more travelers to use Helena as an origin or destination.

Next steps for the airport include finishing the master plan update, continuing airline outreach, and matching facility projects to real growth. For travelers, the immediate takeaways are to check identification ahead of travel and watch for schedule announcements as Helena pursues larger aircraft and new routes in 2026.