Airport passenger activity down 11% from last January

Southwest Florida continues to see fluctuations in airport passenger activity as travel demand slowly recovers from Hurricane Ian. According to the latest data released by the three major airports in the region, total passenger traffic for the three airports amounted to 1,415,648 in December 2022. This represents an increase of 9 percent from November 2022 but a decrease of 12 percent compared to the same month in 2021.

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), the largest airport in the region, served 932,896 passengers in January 2023, up 8 percent from the previous month but down 11 percent compared to the same month last year. Despite the year-over-year decline, the airport has seen steady growth in recent months, with passenger traffic increasing by 8 percent from December 2022 to January 2023.

Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), a smaller airport located in Charlotte County, saw a decrease in passenger activity in January 2023, with 173,911 passengers served. This represents a decrease of 1 percent from December 2022 but an increase of 16 percent compared to January 2022. The airport has been a popular choice for travelers looking to avoid the crowds at larger airports and has seen consistent growth in recent years.

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) served 377,725 passengers in December 2022, a 5 percent improvement from November 2022 and a 9 percent increase compared to December 2021. The airport has been seeing steady growth with a focus on attracting new airlines and expanding its route network.

As travel demand slowly recovers, Southwest Florida’s airports are well-positioned to attract more passengers in the coming months. With a focus on safety and customer service, the region’s airports are working hard to provide a seamless travel experience for all travelers.