Punta Gorda Airport passenger traffic begins to rebound

The Charlotte County Airport Authority said Thursday that passenger traffic at Punta Gorda Airport is improving after a sharp decline due to the pandemic.

The airport’s passenger count for June 2020 totaled 93,767, with 47,846 departing and 45,921 arriving. June 2020’s passenger count was down just 30% from June 2019’s passenger numbers, and planes were an average of 72% full, the airport authority said.

“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 is one of the frequent flyers helping passenger traffic recover, saying 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, general aviation traffic, and military and air taxi operations, was 5,787, down only 6% from June 2019.

Allegiant implemented a face-covering requirement for all passengers and crew members while traveling and at the airport. There is also reduced exposure during PGD’s open-air boarding process, which also allows for adequate social distancing. 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.