Airport posts another record year

After first hitting the 1-million passenger benchmark in 2018, the Springfield-Branson National Airport continued to watch its numbers climb.

In 2019, the airport had nearly 1.2 million passengers, representing a 10.4% increase from 2018. That’s also up 62% from 2011, according to a news release.

“This unprecedented growth reflects the strong local economy,” Aviation Director Brian Weiler said in the release. “These numbers also help us build a case with airlines for future air service improvements.”

Airlines last year added 8% more seats in Springfield, meaning passengers more than filled them. Additional seat growth of 8% is expected starting in the spring.

Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines provide nonstop flights to 12 destinations from the Springfield airport, according to its website.

Also in 2019, the Springfield airport reported freight moved by cargo airlines FedEx and UPS grew 8% to nearly 33 million pounds; take-offs and landings were up 9% to 63,159; and a 15% increase in aviation fuel delivered to the airport was recorded, at 9.2 million gallons, according to the release.