News Summary
Tallahassee International Airport (TIA) saw a significant drop in passenger traffic, with a 6.9% decline in May compared to the previous year. Year-to-date statistics also reflect a 2.36% decrease. American Airlines experienced an 11.5% drop in passengers, while Delta and Silver Airways reported increases. The airport continues to deal with challenges following the termination of JetBlue’s operations, and high airfare may deter travelers. A federal grant has been secured for airport improvements aimed at enhancing capacity and compliance.
Tallahassee
Passenger traffic at Tallahassee International Airport (TIA) experienced a significant decline of 6.90% in May 2025 compared to the same month in the previous year. The drop in traffic saw the number of passengers fall from 87,762 in May 2024 to 81,743 in May 2025, reflecting a total reduction of 6,019 passengers.
Year-to-date statistics for TIA from January to May 2025 indicate a 2.36% decline in passenger traffic compared to the same period in 2024. The situation underscores ongoing challenges faced by the airport in maintaining passenger numbers. May marked a particularly troubling period for American Airlines, which saw an 11.5% year-over-year decrease in passenger counts. Meanwhile, Delta Airlines reported a notable recovery, with a 12.9% increase in its passenger counts year-over-year. Silver Airways also experienced significant growth, boasting a 52.9% increase in passengers compared to the previous year.
The airline industry at TIA has been impacted by changes in service offerings, particularly following the termination of JetBlue’s operations in November 2024. This departure posed a challenge in attracting low-fare airline options to the airport, resulting in concerns about the airport’s competitive edge and overall connectivity.
Despite the downturn in passenger traffic, TIA recorded an annualized total of 954,812 passengers for May 2025. This figure represents a 4.75% increase compared to the 911,557 passengers in May 2024, showcasing resilience in the face of other challenges.
Tallahassee International Airport has the highest average airfare among the top 150 airports in the United States, with costs averaging $561.69. This factor may discourage some travelers, leading to lower passenger traffic figures. Out of a comprehensive analysis of over 400 airports, TIA ranks 146th in passenger numbers, indicating the need for further development and attractiveness in the aviation market.
In response to these challenges, Tallahassee City Commissioner Jeremy Matlow has raised concerns regarding airport leadership and the need for improvements that could boost economic potential. As part of broader initiatives to enhance airport infrastructure, the city recently secured a $6.7 million federal grant aimed at taxiway construction and renovations. These enhancements are part of ongoing efforts to further TIA’s capacity and infrastructure compliance.
The grant will fund the construction of new taxiways (B11 and B12) and associated lighting to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety standards. Since 2020, the city has successfully attracted over $348 million for various infrastructure improvements, highlighting the priority placed on enhancing the airport’s facilities to better serve regional travelers.
The FAA’s Airport Improvement Grant (AIG) program is designed to provide funding for airport infrastructure enhancements. To date, it has awarded 171 grants across 32 states, emphasizing the federal government’s commitment to supporting the aviation sector nationwide.
Overall, Tallahassee International Airport continues to serve as a vital economic driver for the region. The ongoing infrastructure improvements and strategic initiatives aim to enhance the overall travel experience, which is essential for community growth and connectivity in the future.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Reports: May Airport Traffic Down 6.8%
- Wikipedia: Tallahassee
- Tallahassee Reports: Daily Briefs July 1, 2025
- Google Search: Tallahassee International Airport
- WTXL: Tallahassee Awarded $6.7 Million Federal Grant for Airport Infrastructure Improvements
- Google Scholar: Airport Infrastructure Improvements
- Tallahassee.com: Tallahassee Airport Has Highest Average Ticket Price
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Airport Infrastructure
