Punta Gorda Airport Traffic Continues Recovery
The Charlotte County Airport Authority (Airport Authority) announced the Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) passenger count for June 2020 totaled 93,767, with 47,846 departing passengers and 45,921 arriving passengers. June 2020’s passenger count was down just 30% from June 2019’s passenger numbers, and planes were an average of 72% full.
“PGD’s passenger count continues to improve, demonstrating significant confidence in Allegiant as more consumers resume air travel to and from Punta Gorda,” said Airport Authority Board Chair Pam Seay. “Airport management has worked quickly to incorporate an enhanced culture of health and safety since grappling with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a sharp decline in air travel worldwide in March and April,” Seay said. Seay is one of the frequent flyers helping passenger traffic recover; adding that she “just recently flew with confidence on Allegiant, and has flights booked for August and October as well.”
Private air charter and general aviation traffic also rebounded in June, indicating further confidence by private pilots to fly. Air traffic control data shows that the number of total takeoffs and landings, including Allegiant flights, GA traffic, and military and air taxi operations, was 5,787, down only 6% from June 2019.
The Airport Authority’s nonstop commitment to the safety of all passengers, visitors, tenants and staff is supported by several advantages of flying through PGD. Allegiant’s air service model offers low-cost, nonstop flights, where travelers can avoid connections and reduce the time spent in the airport, due to PGD’s easy-to-navigate Bailey Terminal. On July 2, Allegiant implemented a face covering requirement for all passengers and crew members while traveling and including at the airport. There is also reduced exposure during PGD’s open-air boarding process, which also allows for adequate social distancing amongst passengers. In addition, the Airport Authority has implemented stringent sanitation and cleaning protocols at the terminal, and Allegiant on its aircraft, to further reduce risk of exposure.
In addition to the Bailey Terminal that is used for commercial passenger traffic, the Airport Authority provides fueling and tie-down service for general aviation aircraft through its Fixed Base Operator (FBO). PGD’s FBO recently earned its “Safety 1st Clean” certification through the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). In its notification to the Airport Authority, NATA stated the FBO “is committed to helping reduce the spread of infectious diseases and we thank you for your commitment to upholding the highest cleaning/disinfection standard.”
Learn more about PGD’s commitment to your safety at www.flypgd.com/updates.
