Air passenger tally jumps 119% in Charlotte County

PUNTA GORDA — Passenger traffic at Punta Gorda Airport rose 118.9% in the first six months of 2014 over the first six months of 2013.

A total of 355,822 travelers passed through the Charlotte County airport in the first six months of year, according to a release. That's up from 162,540 travelers in that period last year. Monthly traffic data also posted an increase: There were 52,167 passengers in June, up 63% over June 2013.

“The continued growth of the airport is providing jobs, resulting in spending and investment in our community,” Charlotte County Airport Authority Chairman Don Lee says in a release.