HIA sees a 23% increase in traffic year-over-year, marking the busiest September in its history.
Harrisburg, PA – Harrisburg International Airport (HIA) reached a significant milestone this fall, with a record-breaking 131,791 passengers passing through in September. This achievement represents a remarkable 22.8% increase in traffic compared to the same month last year, setting a new benchmark as the busiest September in HIA’s history.
Through the first three quarters of 2024, HIA has welcomed 1,069,129 travelers, an 11% rise over the same period in 2023. Timothy J. Edwards, Executive Director of the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA), attributed this success to expanded routes and increased service options across major airlines, bringing more destinations within reach for central Pennsylvania travelers.
American Airlines Leads the Way
American Airlines, the most popular airline serving HIA, saw its busiest month on record with 66,878 passengers flying out of the airport—an impressive 46% increase over last September. Larger aircraft on routes to Charlotte and Dallas, along with added flights to Philadelphia, Chicago, and Charlotte, allowed more passengers to travel to destinations worldwide.
Allegiant and United Boost Passenger Counts
Allegiant also played a key role in September’s surge, increasing service to popular leisure destinations. The introduction of a new route to Jacksonville and expanded flights to Myrtle Beach and Orlando Sanford led to a 37% rise in Allegiant’s traffic for the month. United Airlines followed suit, adding more seats to Chicago and driving a 13% increase in its own September traffic.
With passenger numbers at record highs, HIA is on track to surpass 1.4 million travelers by year-end, an accomplishment reached only twice before in its history. The increased seat capacity scheduled for November and December ensures HIA remains prepared to serve the needs of both local travelers and visitors during the holiday season.
New Seasonal Route to Miami Launching in February
HIA is also thrilled to announce a new seasonal route by American Airlines. Starting February 15, 2025, and running through March 29, American will offer nonstop Saturday flights from Harrisburg to Miami. This route is timed perfectly for spring break and provides convenient connections to destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Latin America through American’s Miami hub.
Jason Reisinger, American Airlines’ Managing Director of Global Network Planning, emphasized the importance of this new route: “For travelers looking to go to Miami or beyond, American’s flight is conveniently scheduled for connections on American’s network.” If demand for this Miami route is strong, HIA may see even more service to Miami in the future.
HIA’s Continued Growth and Commitment to the Community
With five airlines, nearly 60 flights daily, and a commitment to expanding travel options, HIA stands as a vital gateway for central Pennsylvania. SARAA, the governing authority for HIA, also manages Capital City Airport, Franklin County Regional Airport, and Gettysburg Regional Airport, generating close to $1 billion annually in economic output for the region.
HIA looks forward to welcoming even more passengers this holiday season and into 2025. For travelers flying out of Harrisburg, the future promises more routes, greater convenience, and even more opportunities to explore the world.
Stay tuned for more updates from HIA as we continue to expand our services and grow as central Pennsylvania’s premier airport! For questions or booking information, visit flyhia.com.
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