LGB breaks monthly passenger record for 2nd time this year
Nearly 190,000 people traveled through the airport in May — the most in a single month in its 100-year history.
Long Beach Airport set an all-time passenger record for the second time this year after nearly 190,000 people traveled through the small municipal airport in May.
A total of 189,435 passengers departed from the airport last month, breaking the previous record of 182,382 set in March.
“The diversification of our route network, coupled with ongoing infrastructure and service upgrades have positioned LGB to reach new heights as the preferred choice for travelers in Southern California,” airport Director Cynthia Guidry said in a statement.
Since arriving at the airport in 2016, Southwest Airlines has quickly become the leading carrier out of Long Beach. The commercial airline company holds 50 of the airport’s 58 daily flight slots and has added numerous nonstop routes around the country over the past two years.
Brandon Richardson was laid off by the Long Beach Post on March 22. Thank him for continuing to cover Long Beach without pay.
In all, Southwest, Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian airlines offer nonstop service to 24 cities, which is more than at any time in the airport’s 100-year history, according to staff.
The $125 million Phase II Terminal Area Improvements also continue at the airport. New ticketing and baggage claim areas have already opened and work continues on renovations to the historic terminal building, which will house the car rental counter, as well as upgrades to the roadways and additional pre-security concessions.
Commercial passenger travel in May represents a 23.1% increase compared to the same month last year, according to airport staff. Year-to-date enplanements through May are up 18.6% from the same period last year.
“These record-breaking numbers … underscore the fact that our award-winning airport is the gateway of choice for travelers in Southern California,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “LGB’s unwavering dedication to delivering easygoing, first-class service exceeds expectations for travelers and fuels economic growth and prosperity for our region.”
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