RIC sets all-time record, surpasses four-million-passenger mark in 2018

Richmond International Airport has set an all-time annual traffic record, after four million passengers flew in and out of the airport in 2018.

With each month in 2018 setting a record along the way, the total of 4.077 million passengers represents an 11.5 percent increase over the previous standard (3,65 million) set just a year ago.

In December, passenger traffic increased 16 percent to nearly 339,000 – a new December record – despite 150 passenger flight cancellations due to a snowstorm Dec. 9-10. Delta Air Lines was the market share leader that month with a 30.4 share, followed by American and United. New-entrant Spirit claimed a 4.9 percent share.

All incumbent airlines reported growth in December, including United (up more than 13 percent), American (up nearly 13 percent), and Delta (up more than eight percent).

Allegiant, with twice-weekly service to three destinations, reported an increase of more than 24 percent.

“For the sixth consecutive year, RIC reports growth as it supports the robust business environment across the Richmond Region,” said Capital Region Airport Commission president and CEO Jon E. Mathiasen. “Our success is attributable to support from our customers, whether traveling for business or for discretionary purposes, and to the commitment of our airlines in providing ever-improving access to our most demanded destinations at competitive fares.”