Highest Recorded TSA Screening for March in History for Dane County Regional Airport
April 24, 2026
Airport
MADISON, WI – Spring Break travel from Dane County Regional Airport (DCRA) helped set another record last month. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) numbers for March 2026 show 123,795 people were screened through security checkpoints, the highest total for the month of March ever at DCRA.
“Our community continues to embrace Dane County Regional Airport and I want to thank the TSA team who showed up every day and helped make this record-breaking March happen,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “Keeping our airport moving supports local businesses and builds long-term prosperity for Dane County and the surrounding communities.”
“And thank you to our local business and non-profits for organizing fundraising efforts to support our local TSA workers in their time of need last month,” added Agard.
Airport Director Mark Papko noted the strong March 2026 numbers point toward another strong year after DCRA set a new all-time passenger record in 2025. The total TSA checkpoint numbers for last month includes just over 9,200 employee screenings, highlighting another aspect of the economic impact DCRA brings to Dane County.
“Dane County Regional Airport’s sustained growth continues to be a catalyst for economic growth,” said Airport Director Mark Papko. “The economic impact the airport delivers to our community continues to grow thanks to the dedication of everyone who works at the airport.”
“I want to extend a special thanks to our local TSA team who handled this record-breaking volume while not getting paid,” continued Papko. “Our community is lucky to have such an outstanding local TSA team and we are grateful for the work they do here every day. Their commitment meant our airport still had short security lines and we remained an easy travel option during the busy spring break season.”
An economic impact report released earlier this year showed DCRA generates nearly $1.7 billion in business sales, supporting 5,512 jobs and $425.3 million in wages and salaries. Recent investments at the airport, including a 2023 renovation that added six new gates and modernized facilities, positioned the airport well for continued growth. The full economic impact report is available at: https://www.msnairport.com/about/news/economic_impact.
Dane County Regional Airport provides convenient, low-stress, and affordable travel options for both leisure and business travelers, offering nonstop service to 19 destinations and one-stop access to nearly every major city worldwide. The airport continues to invest in terminal improvements and passenger amenities, including new and updated dining options, free Wi-Fi, Mother’s Lounges, children’s play areas, meeting rooms, and an indoor pet relief area. Visit msnairport.com for more information.
###