Passenger numbers up at Duluth International Airport

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Passenger travel at the Duluth International Airport was up 13 percent from July through September, compared to the same period last year, airport officials announced today.

A total of 92,194 passengers passed through the airport gates in the third quarter, with the biggest increase — nearly 15 percent — coming in August, which saw a 15 percent increase. July followed with a 13 percent increase and September with a 10 percent increase, compared to those months in 2011.

“These numbers prove demand for flights in and out of Duluth is increasing, and that’s good news for us and for everyone who lives in this region,” Tom Werner, the airport’s new executive director, said in a prepared statement.

He attributed the growth to the addition of a third daily United Airlines flight to Chicago and Allegiant Air’s twice-weekly flights to Las Vegas and Phoenix-Mesa, and seasonal service to Orlando’s Sanford airport.

Travel is expected to also be boosted by the airport’s new $77.5 million dollar passenger terminal, which is scheduled to open Jan. 14.

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