The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport continues 2019 as strong growth with March traffic up 11.6 percent on a year over year basis. Compared to March 2018 passenger traffic grew by 6,041 passengers. In March of 2019, 58,136 passengers flew via ROA compared to 52,095 in March of 2018. Year to date, passenger traffic is up 10.7 percent.
For the full year of 2018, 660,836 passengers flew via ROA compared to 616,365 in 2017 and 608,288 in 2016. Last year was the busiest year at ROA since 2007.
Strong community support, additional capacity, and improved airline operational reliability have all played roles in the continuation of sustained passenger growth, which began in September of 2016.
“We are pleased to see this positive trend continue into 2019, especially given our strong traffic numbers in 2017 and 2018,” stated Timothy T. Bradshaw, A.A.E., executive director of the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission. “Passenger demand is a critical factor when speaking with airlines regarding improving and increasing air service to our region. Our carriers have added capacity at ROA and our customers have utilized it. We appreciate the support of our community choosing to fly ROA. Carriers will not add service to a market if the current service is not being used.”
The Commission continually works with the airlines to improve reliability, reduce airfare and upgrade equipment serving the region. This has played a significant role in the increase of passengers using the airport. The commission continually invests resources to promote the services available at ROA and sincerely thanks our customers for choosing to fly ROA.
