Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) passenger traffic saw a fourfold increase from 9,742 passengers in April to 39,988 passengers in May. Compared to May of 2019, traffic at SRQ is down 75%. Year-to-date figures show that airport passenger traffic is down 21%.

Despite the ongoing effects of Covid-19, passenger traffic at SRQ has started to rebound. The airlines that serve the airport are beginning to add flights to their summer schedule as airports, airlines, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) implement strict cleaning and safety measures to protect passengers while traveling.

Carriers adding flights at SRQ include Delta Air Lines who will bring back a 3rd daily flight to Atlanta on June 11th and a 4th daily flight on July 2nd. American Airlines will add additional flights to Charlotte and bring back service in early July to Philadelphia, Dallas, Washington D.C., and New York LaGuardia. Frontier Airlines will add service to Cleveland and Philadelphia on June 6 and Cincinnati and Chicago on July 4. Allegiant is currently providing a minimum of 2 times weekly service to Baltimore, Cincinnati, Cleveland, St. Louis, Grand Rapids, Knoxville, Richmond, Asheville, Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, Harrisburg, and Columbus. Flights to Syracuse are scheduled to return on June 24.

“We are happy to see our flight schedule and passenger levels rebounding after a difficult March and April. The world has changed and so has our airport. Passengers using SRQ will now see numerous safety measures implemented throughout the facility.

Some of these measures include increased janitorial staff, plexiglass shields at all customer service counters, hand sanitizer stations, and social distancing markers in queuing lines. You will also see employees, tenants, and passengers now wearing protective face coverings to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

We feel the size and layout of our airport is to our advantage, allowing passengers to efficiently transition from the parking lot to the aircraft in a clean and safe environment. There is no need to take a shuttle, train, or walk long distances in a crowded environment. Our gate hold areas provide ample seating which allows people to easily social distance while waiting for their flight to board. We have worked hard to create a safe environment and we want our passengers to know that when they are ready, we are ready,” stated Rick Piccolo, President, CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.