Cedar Rapids/Iowa City – The Eastern Iowa Airport (CID) had a record month in September, breaking the previous September record by more than 10 percent.
In September 2023, 118,085 total passengers chose CID for travel. The previous September record was in 2019 with 107,049 passengers.
And this September is 22 percent more than travel during the same time period in 2022.
Marty Lenss, CID director, says the strong passenger traffic bodes well as the airport nears the holiday season. “We are seeing passengers from all over Eastern Iowa and the border regions who continue to travel, even though September numbers can traditionally take a dip as students go back to school and families get into the school routine,” he says.
November will bring two new destinations which should add to the robust passenger numbers. On Nov. 11, American Airlines begins its Saturday-only, seasonal nonstop service to Miami, FL.
The flight is scheduled through April and offers passengers a great way to connect to Caribbean destinations or for those on cruises. This is the sixth nonstop destination American has introduced to CID.
The second nonstop destination begins Nov. 17 with Allegiant’s inaugural flight to Fort Lauderdale. This flight runs two times a week and is scheduled for year-round service. This is the ninth nonstop destination Allegiant has added to CID’s flight options.
“Those two, new nonstops are great additions for the region,” Lenss says. “Each of those flights will get you to either Miami or Fort Lauderdale in about three hours. More options for passengers keeps CID top of mind for travelers.”
CID has also seen a third new nonstop flight this year when American Airlines introduced nonstop service to Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. (DCA). The flight began in June and a second daily flight has been added at this time.
