Charlotte airport takes off

PUNTA GORDA — Discount airlines helped the Charlotte County airport in Punta Gorda grow passenger traffic by nearly 72% to 14,130 people in June compared with the same month a year ago, according to figures from the Charlotte County Airport Authority.

Allegiant, the travel and airline operator, posted the biggest jump in passenger traffic in June. Allegiant's 10,129 passengers in June represented a 110% increase over the same month a year ago.

Other discount airlines that operate at the Punta Gorda airport include Direct Air and Vision Airlines.