Airline boardings off to record pace

Snow and ice blanket the ground after a winter storm blew through the Permian Basin as commercial flights enter and exit the terminals of the Midland International Air and Space Port Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022, in Midland. (Odessa American File Photo)

The number of people flying airlines out of Midland International Air & Space Port ballooned in December by 24.24% compared to a year earlier.

The 61,716 passengers dwarfed the total from December 2022 (49,675) and pushed the total during the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2024 to 184,925, which is a 12.42% increase compared to the first quarter of a record-breaking FY 2023.

Southwest Airlines carried the largest share of passengers, with around 50% of the total in December. Southwest, United, and American Eagle all fly into and out of Midland. In December, the City of Midland announced that Delta will become the fourth airline to provide service, beginning on April 22, 2024.

City officials also report that parking revenue at Midland International Air & Space Port increased 13.54% in December (compared to December 2022). The $612,779 in net parking revenue increased the fiscal year-to-date total to $1.977 million, a 13.38% increase compared to the first quarter of FY 2023.