The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport continues to see 2019 traffic increase with September traffic up 13.9 percent on a year over year basis. September 2019 saw 60,253 passengers fly via ROA compared to 52,860 in September of 2018 an increase of 7,393 passengers. Year to date passenger traffic is up 8.7 percent versus 2018 with 525,393 passengers served this year compared to 483,191 in 2018.
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. September 2019’s increase of 7,393 passengers versus September 2018 equates to 246 more passengers flying ROA each day. Year to date 2019 traffic is up an average of 154 passengers a day versus 2018. At this pace, the airport is on track to have its busiest year since 2000 and serve over 700,000 passengers, an increase of over 100,000 compared to 2017.
“We are pleased to see this positive trend continue through 2019, especially given our strong traffic numbers in 2016, 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, which has led to more capacity added and hopefully new destinations. Robust air service is a key component for growth in the region. We appreciate the support of our community choosing to fly ROA.”
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. In addition, the commission has invested resources to promote the services available at ROA and sincerely thanks our customers for choosing to fly ROA.
