Despite Canceled Flights, Sarasota Airport Saw High Passenger Traffic

SARASOTA-BRADENTON, FL — Sarasota Bradenton International Airport saw a slight increase in passenger traffic in September despite closures and cancellations because of Hurricane Ian at the end of the month.

With 190,405 passengers traveling through the airport in September, it saw a 1 percent increase in traffic compared to the same time last year, according to a news release.

Year-to-date — from January through September — passenger traffic is up 26 percent over that same period in 2021 with 2.8 million travelers the airport said. And the 12-month activity from September 2021 through September of this year is up 47 percent, with more than 3.7 million travelers, compared to September 2020 through September 2021.

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“Even with over 90 cancelled flights due to Hurricane Ian, totaling an estimated loss of over 20,000 passengers, SRQ still experienced an increase in passengers for September over the prior year,” Rick Piccolo, president and CEO, said. “Our seasonal service is beginning to return, and we are noticing much higher passenger load factors than last year. With one new route and 11 returning routes starting next month, we expect to continue to break passenger records as we begin the peak season.”

New service includes a Breeze Airways flight between the Sarasota-Bradenton area and White Plains, New York, starting Nov. 2.

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