Drastic decrease in passengers at ABE

April 21st, 2020 | Airport News

41% drop in passenger traffic in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic

(Hanover Township, PA) – The COVID-19 pandemic has decimated air travel across the nation, and Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) was not spared posting its first decrease in passenger traffic since October 2017.

“First and foremost, I can’t stress enough the importance of everyone adhering to the              stay-at-home order implemented by Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf.  ABE has remained vigilant in ensuring a healthy and safe environment for necessary travelers.  That’s our greatest responsibility to the public,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director, LNAA

During March, 44,478 passengers traveled through ABE  – a 41.8 percent decrease from  Mar. ’19 – which snapped a streak of 29 consecutive months of positive passenger increases.

Month             Passengers                Percentage decrease      Month         Passengers

Mar. ‘20               44,478                                 41.8%                     Mar. ’19                   76,512

By the numbers, Delta reported a significant passenger traffic decrease of 60%, United dropped 51%, American is down 36%, and Allegiant declined by 31%.

“I’m proud of our frontline staff which have risen to this unprecedented challenge.  While reduced daily operations and a slow recovery is expected, the Lehigh Valley won’t stop its pursuit of being the best regional airport in North America. We are safe, strong, and resilient,” said Stoudt.

If you must use air travel, the Airport Authority requests you follow social distancing guidelines, practice good personal hygiene, and recommend you wear a mask (not required).  For more information about LNAA prevention efforts, visit: https://www.flyabe.com/covid-19/

Meanwhile, ABE has remained a critical asset for the region through the COVID-19 pandemic with 20,515,709 pounds of air cargo processed in March – a jump of 47.8% from March 2019.

Month             Cargo Pounds                Percentage increase      Month                Cargo Pounds

Mar. ‘20            20,515,709                             47.8%                    Mar. ’19                13,879,281

“Now more than ever, its evident the Airport continues to serve as a very important conduit in the supply chain needed to fight this pandemic by ensuring essential products can move quickly to and from our region,” said Stoudt.