Rising fuel prices and personnel issues could lead to airline scheduling adjustments this summer, airport CEO says
In May, 332,431 passengers traveled through the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), an increase of 43,880 over May 2021, the airport has announced.
That news builds on the April report that the number of passengers that month was up 31%, compared to the total served in April 2021.
Passengers traveling through the airport year-to-date added up to 1,803,944, compared to 1,146,782 year-to-date for 2021, an increase of 57%, a news release says. Both Southwest and United Airlines showed year-to-date increases of 100% or more, compared to their figures for the first five months of 2021, the release adds.
Frederick “Rick” Piccolo, president and CEO of the airport, told members of the Sarasota County Tourist Development Council this month that he expects the SRQ passenger record will be broken this year, as airlines provide more routes and service. (See the related article in this issue.)
“We continue to see growth as we come into our summer months at SRQ,” Piccolo said in the release. “However, rising fuel prices and pilot and personnel shortages with the airlines nationwide continue so some schedule cutbacks are expected,” he pointed out. “Therefore, it is recommended you book your travel early to assure you get your desired destinations,” he said.