Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) marked its sixth consecutive month of experiencing an increase in passenger traffic.
GSP had 179,897 passengers this past March compared to 166,453 in March 2017. That’s an 8.1 percent increase. So far in 2018, GSP’s passenger traffic numbers are higher than the national average by 3.3 percent, according to Airports Council International-World. Airline load factors are also strong at an average of 84.4 percent.
“The growth that GSP is experiencing is the result of the convenience that people find in traveling to and from our airport,” said Dave Edwards, GSP President and CEO. “It highlights the trust that passengers and the business community have in us. We appreciate these relationships and are constantly working to exceed our customers’ needs and expectations.”
GSP’s cargo numbers were up nearly 42 percent in March. More than 11.3 million tons of cargo came through GSP that month compared to more than 7.9 million tons in March 2017.
“We are excited to see our cargo traffic numbers climb,” Edwards said. “Cargo growth supports the Upstate’s economy and contributes to the region not only being one of the top places in the country for manufacturing but a key location for international business.”
As GSP expands service, including two new flights to New York City (LaGuardia) in July, passengers are encouraged to follow Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recommendations by arriving at the airport two hours before their scheduled departure.
“Summer is quickly approaching, which means we are entering one of the busiest travel seasons of the year,” Edwards said. “Arriving two hours before a flight departs should ensure passengers make their flight in the event they’re departing during a time when several flights are scheduled to board and depart GSP.”