PITTSBURGH – Passenger traffic and available seats offered by carriers on new and existing nonstop service at Pittsburgh International Airport continues to increase, with this summer expected to be one of the busiest at the airport since 2008.
In April, passenger traffic was up 8.5 percent, and 11 percent year-to-date. Also, 781,955 traveled through PIT as compared with 720,778 in April 2017.
“This is a major milestone for our airport and region with now two years of solid growth in passengers,” Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis said. “It has been several years since we’ve seen this many airlines reporting growth and adding seats based on the strong demand in our market, and we expect these increases to continue throughout 2018.”
As airlines ramp up flights and capacity for the peak summer travel season, international commercial and charter flights to the Caribbean, Europe and Canada continue to boost passenger numbers. Allegiant began service to Sarasota, Fla. and Charleston, S.C. in April.
Capacity growth was also reported to Nashville on Southwest; Boston on Delta and JetBlue; Dallas/Fort Worth on Spirit and American; Myrtle Beach on Spirit; and Las Vegas on Southwest, all contributing to growth in seats and flights for April and May.
Looking ahead, new nonstops to Salt Lake City on Delta begin July 9, the first charter flights from China arrive on Aug. 3 and 11, Frontier will begin nonstop service to San Diego on Aug. 13, nonstop flights to Seattle on Alaska begin Sept. 6, and United has added a second daily flight to San Francisco through Oct. 26.
July in particular is expected to be a heavy travel month at PIT with especially busy weeks from July 9-13, 17-20 and 23-27. As is normal, the busiest departure times are between 5-7 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. Passengers are encouraged to arrive at the airport two hours in advance and review carry-on baggage policies to help reduce security wait times.
Additionally, major conferences and events in the region including Anthrocon (July 5-8) and the Replay FX Arcade and Gaming Festival (July 26-29) may impact security lines and vehicle traffic at the arrivals curb. Those picking up passengers may park for free for one hour in Extended Parking or use the Cell Phone waiting lot.
About Allegheny County Airport Authority:
Allegheny County Airport Authority, which manages Pittsburgh International Airport and Allegheny County Airport, is committed to increasing air service, improving customer service and inspiring growth in the Pittsburgh region. Its 2017 Annual Report detailing growth and improved financial position can be found at flypittsburgh.com/AR17.
Pittsburgh International Airport serves nearly 9 million passengers annually on 17 carriers. Over the past three years, the airport has doubled its nonstop destinations to include 74 airports. Air Transport World named Pittsburgh
PASSENGER TRAFFIC UP 8.5 PERCENT IN APRIL AT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT MARKING TWO YEARS OF CONSECUTIVE GROWTH
