For the second time this year, Long Beach Airport has set a new monthly record for departing passengers, officials recently announced.
A total of 189,435 passengers departed from LGB in May, surpassing the previous record — set two months prior — of 182,382 passengers.
“These record-breaking numbers – the largest in Long Beach Airport’s century of service – underscore the fact that our award-winning airport is the gateway of choice for travelers in Southern California,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “LGB’s unwavering dedication to delivering easygoing, fast-class service exceeds expectations for travelers and fuels economic growth and prosperity for our region.”
Prior to the records set this year, the previous record of 178,836 was set in July 2018. Measuring departing passengers is the industry standard because that’s from where the majority of airport revenues are generated, directly or indirectly, according to a press release published last week.
Overall commercial passenger activity for May represented an increase of 23.1% compared to the same month in 2023. Year-to-date figures for 2024, through May, show an 18.6% rise in total passenger numbers compared to the year prior, according to the airport’s monthly commercial flight activity report.
Officials once again credited several key factors for contributing to the surge in passengers, including the increased use of LGB’s 58 flight slots. Southwest Airlines acquired 10 additional flight slots in 2023, for a total of 50, and gradually began increasing its schedule.
Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines currently offer service to 24 nonstop destinations around the nation, including Hawaii, which is more than at any time in LGB’s history, officials said.
Recent modernizations that are part of Long Beach Airport’s ongoing $125 million Phase II – Terminal Area Improvements have also enhanced the overall experience from curb to gate, officials said, making travel more convenient for passengers. Future improvements also include terminal roadway improvements, rental car ready-return-lot, and a ground transportation center.
“As we celebrate 100 years of service, this is an incredible historic milestone to see more passengers move through LGB than ever before,” Long Beach Airport Director Cynthia Guidry said in a June 25 statement.
“The diversification of our route network,” Guidry added, “coupled with ongoing infrastructure and service upgrades have positioned LGB to reach new heights as the preferred choice for travelers in Southern California.”
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