Iowa’s Creative Corridor – The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) set a passenger record for January, beating the previous January record set in 2015.
The total number of passengers in January were 88,534; the 2015 record was 85,451.
The year-over-year the increase was 17 percent for the month.
A key reason for those stronger numbers is the addition of CID’s 13th non-stop destination – Charlotte, North Carolina, on American Airlines. In addition, CID has additional seat capacity due to larger aircraft on various flights, including those on American and United Airlines. In October, Delta Airlines began mainline service to Atlanta, upgrading from a regional jet to a two-class 717 with 110-seats.
Capacity for the first quarter of calendar year 2017 is up. The number of flights is up six percent and the number of seats is up 11 percent compared to the same time last year.
Airport Director Marty Lenss said the increase illustrates the strength of the region’s economy. “These numbers validate the market is utilizing the increased capacity provided by our carriers,” he said. “With more passengers choosing to fly CID, not only will it sustain our existing service, it will help support future opportunities for Eastern Iowa and border regions of Wisconsin and Illinois.”
The airport is gearing up for its busiest travel season – spring break. In talking to the air carriers, the heaviest travel days this year will be March 9 – 11.
Lenss said the airport has a plan in place for overflow parking, if needed. The airport will update customers through the media, social media and its website if the overflow-parking plan goes into effect.
