RIC sets passenger record

Richmond International Airport set an all-time, one month total passenger traffic record of 342,055 in October, surpassing the previous mark of 339,807 established in August 2007.

“Coincidental to the commemoration of the airport’s 90th anniversary, we’re pleased to see a new monthly passenger record established at RIC,” said Capital Region Airport Commission Chairman Aubrey Stanley. “It is reflective of tremendous support from the community, strong local demand for air travel, increased seats from air carriers operating in the market, and favorable operating conditions in October.”

During October, the airport experienced a 6.1 percent increase in total passengers as compared with the same period a year ago. Delta edged out American (33.5 percent vs. 33.3 percent) to lead in market share at RIC in October. Four airlines, American (up 19.3%), JetBlue (7.7%), Delta (1.4%), and Southwest (0.2%), reported passenger growth versus October 2016.

Through October, total passenger traffic this year had increased 2.6 percent from last year, to 3,048,584.

Last month, ultra-low cost carrier Spirit Airlines announced plans to launch daily service from Richmond to Orlando  and to Ft. Lauderdale beginning March 15, using a 145-seat Airbus A319 aircraft. Allegiant has increased its Spring Break flight frequency for Richmond to St. Pete/Clearwater (Tampa Bay) to three weekly round trips, starting in late February.