The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport has broken its record for the number of passenger boardings with 419,059 through the end of 2016 — up seven percent from 2015 (a 38 percent increase from boardings in 2011) and surpassing 400,000 for the first time in history.
Officials said, "Last year’s growth is attributed to the outpouring of support from the Chattanooga community and surrounding region, the leadership of the board and the recruitment of global airline partner United Airlines, who began servicing the Chattanooga Airport in September 2016 with twice-daily nonstop flights from Chattanooga to Newark Liberty International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport."
“Establishing Chattanooga as the region’s first choice, whether they are flying domestic or international, is our continuous goal — and the extensive growth over the past year demonstrates the hard work of the team and the massive support of the community,” said Terry Hart, Chattanooga Airport president and CEO.
“I believe the growth also reflects the convenience and ease of flying out of Chattanooga Airport compared to larger airports in the region. I have no doubt that as these numbers continue to climb, additional air service opportunities will follow.”
Delta Air Lines and American Airlines have seen a steady gain in passengers over this time period. Additionally, Allegiant will continue providing service to Florida from Chattanooga as it has over the past 10 years. The airport is seeing better numbers for January 2017 when compared to this month last year.
“Chattanooga and the surrounding area is experiencing more business activity than ever before and that is certainly helping to drive the overall increase,” said Dan Jacobson, Chattanooga Airport Authority chairman. “Additionally, the team at the airport has worked tirelessly to increase the airport’s role in supporting the economic growth of the surrounding region and will continue to do so year after year.”