Posted On: January 16, 2014
Passenger traffic at Daytona Beach International Airport increased 11 percent in December compared with December 2012. During December, 45,535 passengers traveled through the county-operated airport compared with 40,977 in December 2012. For the 12 months ending Dec. 31, the airport recorded 607,977 passengers, a 4 percent increase over 2012 and the highest level of annual passenger traffic since 2008.
“The traffic increase in December was welcome news,” said Rick Karl, the airport’s director. “Since 2009, Delta Air Lines and U.S Airways have continued to offer increased numbers of seats, larger aircraft and competitive fares with each achieving strong passenger loads with the additional capacity.” During December, Delta and U.S Air averaged 90 percent passenger loads, an increase of 5 percent over last December.
Karl also said he expects passenger traffic to continue to be stable to increasing in 2014 as the economy continues to improve. Karl noted that for 2014 the airport plans to continue its marketing efforts to attract additional air service options for the community.
In other airport news for 2013, aircraft operations -- all landings and takeoffs -- increased 3 percent over last year to 292,291. Based on recent Federal Aviation Agency data, Daytona Beach International Airport ranks as the second most active in Florida for aircraft operations behind Miami. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, on the east side of the airport, completed or commenced construction on approximately $47 million of campus improvements in 2013 including a new College of Arts and Sciences Building, the campus loop road system, research park improvements, drainage improvements, and other infrastructure enhancements. Numerous additional construction developments are planned at the university for 2014, and beyond.
In 2013, Daytona International Speedway, the airport’s largest land area tenant, commenced construction and has made significant progress on its $400 million Daytona Rising project scheduled for completion in 2016.
“We are looking forward to 2014 being another great year at Daytona Beach International Airport,” said Karl.