Dayton airport sees decrease in airport traffic

Passenger traffic at the Dayton International Airport decreased by nearly 3,000 passengers last month compared to the same time in 2016.

Approximately 93,244 passengers flew by way of the Dayton airport in May, compared to the more than 96,224 who traveled during the same month in 2016. Approximately 405,659 travelers have flown from the Dayton airport so far this year, compared to the 416,023 passengers who flew in the same time period last year.

It was the last full month of service for Southwest Airlines at the Dayton airport, and 10,189 travelers flew with the air carrier in May. That was about 1,000 less than the same time last year. Southwest halted services in early June, in favor of adding services at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport.

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Dayton saw an increase in passengers who flew with Allegiant Air, which recently celebrated its one-year anniversary of service at the airport. Approximately 3,853 passengers flew with the low-cost carrier in may, compared to the 2,758 passengers who flew Allegiant in May 2016. Part of that increase can be attributed to new routes added at the Dayton airport, including a new flight to Myrtle Beach that started on May 24.

While Dayton saw an overall slight decrease in passenger volume, some larger airports continue to thrive. More passengers flew out of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport last month than ever before.

Local traffic was up more than 16 percent year-over-year with 323,049 originating passengers, compared to 278,344 in May 2016, representing 44,705 new travelers coming through CVG’s front door. That’s more than any other month in the airport’s 70-year history.

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“At CVG, we’re embracing what’s next and planning for a bright future, as we work to continue breaking records by growing both passenger and cargo operations, and lowering airfares,” said Candace McGraw, chief executive officer for CVG. “The new activity and additional landed weight will enable CVG to continue lowering its landing fees, benefiting all carriers while ensuring we remain a great place to do business. CVG is operating its business in a very strategic way, and we’re seeing tremendous results.”

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In May, CVG offered nonstop service to 47 domestic and five international destinations, more than any other airport in the Tri-State region. CVG passengers, on average, are paying $170 less per round-trip ticket than they were two years ago.

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