International traffic up 25 percent in 2023

(Middletown, PA – January 31, 2024) – Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) reported a total of 1,303,990 passengers flew into and out of the central Pennsylvania region during 2023—an increase of 3.8 percent compared to 2022.

Airlines offered nearly four percent more seats for sale in 2023 and the average load factor—the percentage of seats sold on all departing flights—was 87.2 percent.

“The combination of the region’s continued strong demand for airline travel, a healthy regional economy and expanded service to Orlando, Atlanta, Chicago, Myrtle Beach and Nashville gave more people the opportunity to choose HIA,” said Timothy J. Edwards, executive director.

2023 was the third consecutive year of passenger traffic growth as traffic has returned to 86 percent of the record set in 2019—prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.    

American Airlines served the most HIA passengers at 40.8 percent, Allegiant was second at 19.5 percent, Delta Air Lines third at 19.1 percent, United Airline fourth at 17.4 percent followed by Frontier Airlines at 3.1 percent.

Orlando, Chicago, Atlanta, Tampa/St. Petersburg, and Charlotte were the most traveled to destinations in 2023.  

International Traffic surges 25 percent

International traffic to and from HIA surged 25 percent compared to 2022.  During the year ended November 2023, an average of 270 passengers a day flew to cities around the globe. 

Cancun, London, San Juan, Mexico City and Toronto were the most popular destinations. 

American Airlines served 41 percent of HIA’s international travelers, followed by United Airlines at 26 percent and Delta Air Lines at 20 percent.  Atlanta (Delta), Newark (United) and Dallas/Ft. Worth (American) were the most popular connecting hugs for international travel from HIA. 

Edwards said, “we are grateful to our airline partners for their increased commitment to central Pennsylvania and look forward to working with them throughout 2024 to bring more flight options to HIA.”       

Other Authority accomplishments last year included the construction of a new roundabout at the entrance to the IA cargo complex, completion of phase three of the HIA cargo expansion project, the start of construction of a new Water Treatment Plant, construction of an expanded aircraft ramp at Gettysburg Regional Airport as well as taxiway and hangar improvements at Capital City Airport and Franklin Country Regional Airport. 

New Leadership for SARAA

Mr. William Leonard, representing Lower Swatara Township, took over as Chairman of the SARAA Board succeeding Mr. James Helsel Jr., Cumberland County, who served as Chairman since 2019.  The other officers are Mr. Erik Hume, Cumberland County, Vice-Chair, Mr. James Gross, City of York, Secretary and Ms. Nelva Wright, City of Harrisburg, Treasure.

The next SARAA Board meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 28^th, 2024, at 8:00 am, in the David C. McIntosh Boardroom, on the third floor of the HIA terminal building.

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About Harrisburg International Airport:
Five airlines serve Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) offering nearly 70 peak day flights to and from 15 nonstop destinations.  The Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA) owns HIA, Capital City Executive Airport in New Cumberland and both Franklin County and Gettysburg Regional Airports.  Incorporated in 1997, SARAA is a multi-municipal authority whose mission is to serve the region by providing high quality, efficient airports and promoting regional economic development.  Combined these four facilities handle about 80,000 aircraft operations and generate a total economic output of more than $990 million annually.