Last month 347,268 passengers traveled through the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, compared to 119,114 passengers in December 2020. This represents an increase of 191.5% and is the highest passenger month in the history of the airport. Passengers traveling through the airport in calendar year 2021 totaled 3,163,543. This is a 155.7% increase over 2020 and is a 57% increase over the previous calendar year record of 2,010,304 passengers. For 2022, the trend of record growth is expected to continue. For the first four months of 2022 there are approximately two million airline seats available for purchase which is a 42% increase over 2021. Yesterday, the airport welcomed a new airline, Avelo, with nonstop service to New Haven, Connecticut; and in March, Allegiant will begin new nonstop service to Akron-Canton, Ohio and Appleton, Wisconsin. With the addition of Avelo and these new routes, SRQ now has 11 airlines serving 53 nonstop destinations.

Multiple projects were completed last year to accommodate the airport’s rapid growth: a major expansion of the screening checkpoint area; three new 100,000-gallon jet fuel storage tanks; expansion of the long-term parking lot; and the addition of remote parking lots. In 2022, plans include breaking ground on a new ground transportation facility; improved and expanded concessions; and a new ground level terminal which will provide at least five additional gates for aircraft arrivals and departures.
“It is exciting to see the record breaking numbers and the projected growth for 2022. As the airport and community continue to grow, we are committed to providing the infrastructure, amenities, and superior level of service our customers deserve,” said Rick Piccolo, President, CEO of the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.

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