DOT Data Reveals Which Ohio Airport Has the Region's Lowest Flight Prices

Travelers seeking lower Ohio airport flight prices found a clear winner in the first half of 2025.

Regional Airfare Analysis

The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) recorded the lowest average domestic airfare among major regional airports. This finding comes from U.S. Department of Transportation data covering the first and second quarters of 2025. The DOT's Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) tracks average ticket prices for hundreds of U.S. airports. CVG consistently beat other major hubs in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.

In the first quarter of 2025, CVG's average fare was $377. This was slightly lower than Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) at $380. Indianapolis International Airport (IND) saw an average of $410. Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) reported $426. John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) had the highest average at $435.

This trend continued into the second quarter of 2025. CVG again held the lowest CVG average airfare at $365. This figure is closely aligned with official BTS reports for the period. Cleveland CLE followed closely at $370. Indianapolis IND averaged $379. Louisville SDF was $392. Columbus CMH was $393, also corroborated by BTS data.

The Rickenbacker Exception

While CVG led the major airports, a smaller Columbus facility had the absolute lowest fares. Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) reported an average airfare of $154 in early 2025. Rickenbacker is primarily a cargo airport. It offers a limited number of passenger flights, totaling about 20 daily. This low-cost carrier focus drives its exceptionally low average ticket price.

Industry Context and Travel Impact

These low domestic airline fares were recorded before a period of significant industry turbulence. The end of 2025 was challenging for U.S. air travel. Starting on October 1, 2025, a government shutdown began. This event led to major disruptions across the country. The shutdown caused air traffic controller staffing issues. Many controllers worked without pay, leading to widespread delays. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was forced to mandate flight reductions. These cuts were necessary at over 40 major U.S. airports to maintain safety. The fare data from the first half of the year provides a pre-disruption benchmark. It highlights the competitive pricing available before these operational challenges began.

Airlines and airports benefit from competitive pricing. Lower fares attract more passengers to the region. CVG’s ability to maintain low costs signals a strong market position. This is important for regional economic growth. Passengers in the Ohio Valley region have a clear, low-cost travel option.

• CVG's average domestic airfare was $365 in Q2 2025.
• Rickenbacker International Airport (LCK) reported the lowest overall fare at $154.
• Low fares occurred before the October 2025 government shutdown.
• The shutdown caused air traffic controller staffing shortages and flight reductions.

For more commercial aviation news, visit the latest industry reports at flying.flights. Travelers flying through CVG should plan ahead. Arrive two hours early for domestic flights. Arrive three hours early for international travel. Remember the TSA 3-1-1 rule for carry-on liquids.