Second Quarter Passenger Numbers Up 9 Percent Over 2011 at Duluth International Airport

Duluth, MN - Duluth Airport Authority officials announced today that passenger traffic during the second quarter of 2012 was up 9 percent over the same period in 2011.

"We are very pleased with the continued positive trend in passenger numbers," stated Duluth Airport Authority Interim Executive Director Tom Werner

Werner credits the strong passenger numbers to the addition of United Airlines third daily flight to Chicago, Allegiant's twice weekly flights to Las Vegas, Phoenix-Mesa and Orlando-Sanford and Delta's operation of larger dual-class aircraft to Minneapolis and Detroit on high demand days.  "We couldn't be happier about our Region's travelers embracing our current air service.  We encourage the community to continue to fly local as it's important for future air service development opportunities in our market.  United numbers were up 31 percent during the second quarter while Allegiant achieved the largest growth seeing a 126 percent increase."

  About Duluth International Airport

United Express offers three daily nonstop flights to Chicago; Delta offers seven daily nonstop flights to Minneapolis/St. Paul and two daily nonstop flights to Detroit; and Allegiant Air offers two weekly nonstop flights to Las Vegas, Phoenix-Mesa and seasonal service to Orlando-Sanford.

The airport is currently undergoing phase 2 of a $77.5 million dollar new passenger terminal project.  The airport will remain fully operational throughout the duration of the project.