The numbers are in: Passenger travel through Pensacola International Airport has climbed back to pre-pandemic levels. In fact, Pensacola’s airport has broken its own record, beating 2019’s numbers by an increase of 4%. From January to December 2021, 87,197 more passengers passed through PNS when compared to 2019, for a total of 2,324,044 passengers. The increase in passenger traffic is due in large part to the increase in tourism throughout Pensacola and the surrounding communities. Pensacola International Airport has consistently averaged above national numbers throughout the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. The summer of 2021 saw an increase of 25% more passengers when compared to 2019, the previous record-breaking year for PNS, with 2,236,847 total passengers.“The tourism industry and our airline partners understood that Pensacola and the destinations offered through PNS are highly desired destinations for travelers and vacationers,” said Airport Director Matt Coughlin. “Our teams proudly did our part to create a fly easy experience for each traveler, welcoming them to the Gateway to the Gulf Coast.”Not only did Pensacola have a record-breaking year, but it was also hailed as having among the lowest fares in the nation. According to the latest ValuePenguin study — which examines fluctuations in airfare since the pandemic struck — average fare costs across the U.S. remain almost 20% lower than they were prior to COVID-19. The two U.S. airports where the average cost of departing flights remains the lowest are New Jersey’s Newark International and Pensacola International Airport, where flights cost passengers 30% less on average than they did pre-COVID.“These announcements speak to the many great things being done at the airport and in Pensacola. When compared to pre-COVID, we have more flights, more airlines, and lower costs,” says Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson. “It is amazing for me to see where we are and I am excited about the future of Pensacola’s airport.”ValuePenguin researchers calculated average airfare costs based upon data from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics’ Passenger Origin and Destination Survey. The figures have been adjusted for inflation and are based on domestic itinerary fees, including taxes and fees. Currently, Pensacola International Airport has more than 20 destinations offered by eight airlines including Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest, Spirit, Silver Airways, Frontier, and Boutique Air.To learn more about Pensacola International Airport, the great destinations and to book your next flight, visit flypensacola.com.
