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Tallahassee International Airport Sees Decline in Passenger Traffic

Aerial view of Tallahassee International Airport showing runways and terminals.

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News Summary

Tallahassee International Airport reported a 1.0% decrease in passenger traffic for the month of April compared to the previous year. While major airlines experienced mixed results, the year-to-date statistics show a worrying trend of declining passenger counts. Coupled with the highest average fare among top airports, city officials stress the need for changes to attract new airlines and improve air service options.

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Tallahassee International Airport reported a 1.0% decrease in passenger traffic for April 2025, with passenger counts dropping from 80,229 in April 2024 to 79,423 in April 2025. This decline translates to 806 fewer passengers compared to the same month last year. The year-to-date comparison also indicates a decrease of 1.61% in passenger traffic for the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.

In terms of individual airline performance, the major carriers showed mixed results. American Airlines experienced a significant decline of 4.9% in passenger counts, while Delta Group saw an increase of 11.7%. Notably, Silver Airways reported an impressive growth of 96.7% in passenger numbers during April 2025. In a situational context, Jet Blue had ceased operations in November 2024, which is believed to have influenced overall traffic levels.

Despite the month-to-month drop, the annualized passenger rate for April 2025 is projected at 959,700, indicating a 6.99% increase from the 897,031 passengers recorded in April 2024. Last year, passenger traffic at the airport increased by 12.9% compared to 2023, resulting in a total of 965,921 passengers for the year. In December 2024, traffic rose by 12.7% compared to December 2023, with 83,277 passengers registered.

Analyzing passenger counts from December 2024 shows various year-over-year performances among airlines. American Airlines decreased by 1.4%, while Delta Group enjoyed an increase of 11.1%, and Silver Airways further expanded with a notable 209.5% growth in service.

Despite the fluctuations in passenger numbers, it is important to note that Tallahassee International Airport has the highest average airfare among the top 150 airports in the United States, standing at $561.69. This is a point of concern as TLH ranks 146th among these airports, even as more than 100 other airports with smaller passenger loads offer lower fares. Nearby airports such as Montgomery, Alabama ($567.92), Lafayette, Louisiana ($597.79), and Dothan, Alabama ($829.94) also maintain higher average fares, while Guam records the highest fare at $1,655.

Officials at the airport have emphasized that airfares are dictated by airlines, and not the airport itself. However, this has not mitigated concerns from city officials regarding the airport’s capacity to attract new airlines and bring about a reduction in fares. Previous attempts to introduce low-fare options, such as JetBlue’s direct service, ended unsuccessfully due to insufficient demand.

In light of these challenges, Commissioner Jeremy Matlow has indicated a critical need for a change in airport leadership. This change is perceived as essential in addressing the ongoing challenges related to costs and improving air service options. The airport aims to stimulate competition among airlines and evaluate the persistent issues related to airfares, but the strategies have yet to yield substantial results.

In summary, while Tallahassee International Airport has seen positive trends in overall annual passenger rates, recent monthly declines and high average fare concerns remain critical as the airport navigates the complexities of the airline industry and its own operational strategies.