Passengers flying out of Wichita Eisenhower National Airport increased 82% in September over the previous year, with 58,222 enplanements. This compares to 32,002 last September and 68,483 in September 2019. Year-to-date, a total of 912,116 passengers flew in and out of ICT, a 56.76% over 2020. ICT is outpacing the U.S. in recovery from the pandemic. Through September ICT’s enplanements were 85% of September 2019. In the U.S., enplanements were at 76% of 2019.
Capacity increased significantly over last year but more capacity is needed as many flights have been full. In September, the airlines had 33% more flights and 29% more seats available than last September. The chart below depicts the comparison of seats and passengers in the market. The gap between the two has shrunk since the beginning of the year, indicating the need for more seats. The average load factor for the month was 78%, but many days the load factor has hovered around 90%. The strong loads are a good indication that business travel has resumed.
In November, Allegiant will begin new, nonstop service to Tampa-St. Pete as well as resume nonstop service to Orlando-Sanford. This is expected to be popular, especially over the holidays. The airlines are expecting a strong holiday travel season.
Outgoing air cargo increased 3.28% while incoming decreased 9.64%. For the year, total cargo is up 10.15%.
Revenue from concessions increased substantially. Food and gift revenue was up 99.36%, rental cars 82.45%, and parking 118.67%.
The aviation activity reports can be viewed at Airport Business.
