Takeoff of Thanksgiving Travel

December 27th, 2021 | Airport News

70,589 passengers traveled through your neighborhood airport in November

(Hanover Township, PA) – Thanksgiving travel stayed steady at Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) as passenger traffic numbers in November nearly matched 2019 levels.

70,589 passengers used ABE last month – a 132.45% percent increase from November 2020.

“Industry experts projected a higher volume of holiday travelers this year, and ABE certainly experienced that surge during Thanksgiving week. Our overflow parking lot was activated to accommodate the increase in vehicles,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority (LNAA).

Month             Passengers                Percentage increase      Month                    Passengers

Nov. ’21               72,135                                 132.45%                Nov. ’20                   30,367

By the numbers, United reported a massive passenger traffic increase of 263%, Delta jumped 173.7%, Allegiant moved up 130.8%, and American finished 69% ahead of last November.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requires face masks for all individuals (age 2 and older) while at transportation hubs through at least March 18, 2022.

Earlier this month, the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority (LNAA) received $2 million in state RACP (Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program) funding to support the Airport’s construction of a new Terminal Connector / Security Checkpoint.

“We are extremely grateful for the commitment of our delegation in Harrisburg which ensures the Airport maintains its primary role of being an economic asset for the region,” said Stoudt.

“ABE’s Terminal Connector project will set the stage for the Airport’s continued growth well into the foreseeable future,” said Senator Pat Browne (R-16).

“Lehigh Valley International Airport is an important economic engine for the Lehigh Valley and our Commonwealth and this state investment will allow them to build upon its economic impact,” said Senator Lisa Boscola, (D-18).

22,928,730 pounds of air cargo was processed through Lehigh Valley International Airport in November – a sharp increase of 33.6% from Nov. 2020.

Month             CARGO (lbs.)             Percentage increase       Month         CARGO (lbs.)

Nov. ‘21            22,928,730                             33.67%                  Nov. ’20                17,152,686