The growth of Austin Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) is a sure sign of the city’s overall upswing. In 2012 the airport saw a record-breaking 9.43 million passengers pass through, which equated to a 4% increase over the previous year. However, population growth isn’t the only factor influencing the increase in ABIA activity.
New Attractions and Airlines Add to Austin Airport Activity
Sure, every year the Austin population swells a little larger. But in 2012 there were a few additions that brought more people into ABIA.
Formula 1
The inaugural Formula 1 event at the Circuit of the Americas racetrack brought in approximately 200,000 fans, many of those flying in from all over the world. This alone was a huge factor in the 6.7% increase of travelers in November 2012 compared to the same time the year before.
More Non-stop Flights
One surefire way to increase business at an airport is to offer more flights, which is exactly what ABIA did in 2012. Non-stop flights to Portland, Newark, Atlanta, Washington D.C., Philadelphia and Cancun were added to the roster last year.
The Addition of AirTran
In 2012 AirTran became the latest carrier to operate out of Austin Bergstrom International Airport. The international airline is responsible for Cancun making it onto the list of the 38 locations ABIA now has non-stop flights to.
ABIA is Primed for Another Record-Breaking Year
Despite ABIA officials like spokesperson Jim Halbrook downplaying the continued growth of the airport, the latest numbers for the year beg to differ. So far ABIA is on track to have yet another record-breaking year in 2013.
- January 2013 saw a 4.5% increase over January 2012
- February 2013 saw a 1% increase over January 2012
We’ll have to wait and see how SXSW may have swung the March numbers for this year. Regardless, the ABIA is preparing itself for the influx of passengers. Currently the airport is working on terminal expansion, larger parking garages and eight more security lanes.
Original Source:https://www.royalaustin.com/austin-news-events/abia-has-its-best-year-ever-in-2012-set-to-repeat-feat-in-2013