5 Minutes with Thomas R. Stoudt of Lehigh Valley International Airport

The team at Lehigh Valley International Airport takes great pride in being involved in our community. Here’s what Thomas R. Stoudt Executive Director for Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority had to say about an event like Oktoberfest is so important to the community.

1. Lehigh Valley International Airport has been a supporter of Oktoberfest for the past 3 years. What drove your decision to support this event?

We are proud to be onboard once again as presenting sponsor for Oktoberfest in the Lehigh Valley. Over the years, our amazing partners at ArtsQuest have demonstrated hard work and dedication that is unmatched, which always results in a fun-filled time for all with plenty of delicious food, music, and cultural entertainment for the entire region. As an airport, we are committed to connecting people with the world, so it only makes sense for us to be a co-pilot with ArtsQuest for this event.

2. What is your favorite part of Oktoberfest?

It’s difficult to select just one, but I would say it’s a tie between the Dachshund (wiener dog) races, and all of the amazing food.

3. Oktoberfest is a free to public event, why do you feel it is important to offer events like this to the community?

It’s simple. Camaraderie and unifying of the region through exciting events. Energy permeates from Lehigh Valley residents when they can circle a date on the calendar to relax and enjoy good entertainment, delicious food, and join family or friends for great activities like these.

4. What is new at Lehigh Valley International Airport?

Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is fresh off an extremely busy summer travel season. From June – August, 267,508 passengers used ABE – compared to the 274,431 travelers at the Airport in the summer of 2019. This was a travel surge that industry experts didn’t predict and we’re extremely proud of the entire airport team as everyone ensured an enjoyable customer experience.

Airline service has returned to pre-pandemic levels at ABE, with the Allegiant crew base giving the region more flight options to current leisure destinations. United also expanded its service with the arrival of Washington-Dulles International Airport (IAD). Just a reminder, the Transportation Security Administration still requires masks for all airport users through January 18, 2022.

One of our biggest projects is the Terminal Connector / Security Checkpoint Expansion, which will relocate the TSA checkpoint up to the ticketing level with up to (4) lanes for passenger processing, plus new escalators, elevators, and stairs for an enhanced connection to the gate area. Project completion is expected in the first half of 2023.

Amenities have grown as well, with the addition of the Makala A. Ashmar Military Resource Center – a comfortable area for service members and veterans to relax when traveling through your neighborhood airport. Passengers are also enjoying our new parking equipment and payment options (GooglePay, ApplePay, etc.) thanks to a $1.75 million overhaul of the Long-Term and Short-Term Parking Lots.

We encourage people to visit flyabe.com for more information.

You can also ENTER TO WIN two free roundtrip tickets to any destination on Allegiant Airlines from Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE)! CLICK HERE for your chance to win!