RIC Reports New January Record, 8.2 Percent Upswing in Traffic

For the 28th consecutive month, Richmond International Airport (RIC) reports record monthly passenger traffic as January 2020’s count (320,991) surpassed the previous record (296,735) established a year ago by 8.2 percent. RIC’s passenger traffic is up 5.5 percent for Fiscal Year 2020.

“With seven consecutive years of growth in the books, it’s very satisfying to start 2020 with another month of record passenger traffic,” said Capital Region Airport Commission chairman Patricia S. O’Bannon. “RIC continues to support ever-expanding air system access for the growing Richmond region.”

Passenger Traffic

Delta Air Lines was the market share leader in January, with 31.8 percent of passengers carried, closely followed by American (30.1 percent). Five airlines reported year-over-year passenger growth, including Spirit (+14.7 percent), Delta, Southwest, American, and United.

Cargo

Total cargo, measured as a sum of freight and mail, decreased 3.9 percent from last January, to 10.95 million pounds (4,967 metric tons). For the fiscal year to date, total cargo handled at the Airport is off 0.9 percent.

Operations

Aircraft operations increased 6.0 percent versus the same month a year ago. Both air taxi (+13.4 percent) and military (+48.4 percent) operations reported double-digit gains. For FY20, aircraft operations have increased 4.2 percent.

View the RIC’s activity summary here: https://flyrichmond.com/airport-information/#monthly-statistics.

Air Service Notes

• On Valentine’s Day, Allegiant launched new seasonal service to Punta Gorda/Fort Myers (PGD). Punta Gorda represents Allegiant’s fifth destination from Richmond, joining St. Pete/Clearwater (PIE), Orlando/Sanford (SFB), Nashville (BNA), and Sarasota/Bradenton (SRQ).

• Earlier in the month, Richmond International Airport participated in the 2020 Routes Americas air service development conference in Indianapolis, IN.

Financials

January operating revenue, spurred by passenger traffic increases, jumped to $4.4 million, greater than budget by $348 thousand or 9 percent. For the fiscal year to date, operating revenues total $31.7 million, greater than budget by $1.1 million.

On the expense side, January’s operating expenses totaled $2.2 million, less than budget by ($191) thousand or (8 percent). For FY20 to date, operating expenses amount to $15.7 million, less than budget by ($736) thousand or (4 percent).

About Richmond International Airport (RIC)

Richmond International Airport (RIC) is one of the most modern airports in the eastern U.S. Seven major airlines offer nonstop flights to major domestic destinations and connecting options to points around the world. Activities associated to the Airport create nearly 16,000 jobs and contribute $2.1 billion in economic activity annually to the Richmond region, according to the Virginia Department of Aviation’s most recent economic impact analysis.

In 2019, the Airport welcomed 4.38 million passengers. To learn more, visit https://flyrichmond.com/.