Airport passenger traffic increases 18% in July

SARASOTA — Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport passenger traffic has increased 18%, from 52,845 passengers in June to 62,405 passengers in July. 

Despite the increase, traffic at SRQ, given the impact of COVID-19, is down 57.6% compared to July 2019, according to a press release. Also, year-to-date figures show airport passenger traffic is down 32%, with 776,430 passengers using the airport so far this year.

However, passenger traffic at SRQ continues to rise each month since the pandemic low point. The airlines serving the airport continue to bring back flights that were either temporarily suspended or were only flown seasonally, the statement says. 

For the month of August, Allegiant Air has resumed service to three destinations, including Allentown, Penn.; Flint, Mich.; and Fort Wayne, Ind. Delta Air Lines has added a fifth daily nonstop flight to Atlanta. United Airlines resumed daily nonstop flights to Newark, N.J. 

In addition to the increased service in August, more flights and destinations are scheduled to return over the next few months, bringing the number of destinations served at SRQ back to a level close to what it was pre-coronavirus. Currently, there are 36 nonstop destinations that can be booked out of SRQ, the release states. 

The airport recently added thermal temperature scanning devices for passengers to self-check their body temperature. It also has plastic shields at all customer service counters, touchless hand sanitizer stations, social distancing markers in queuing lines and increased janitorial staff to clean high-touch surfaces. 

“As our airlines continue to add more nonstop destinations and passenger levels continue to rise, our top priority will continue to be the safety of our passengers," says Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport President and CEO Rick Piccolo in the statement. "We have implemented multiple layers of cleaning and sanitation measures to ensure those traveling through our facility are safe. We understand the concerns that passengers have when flying, and we will make every effort to ensure their safety when using our facility."