In 2021, a total of 1,285,070 passengers flew out of Wichita Eisenhower National Airport, an increase of 63% over 2020. However, traffic was 27% below the 2019 record high of 1,749,906 total passengers. In December, passengers flying out of ICT increased 91% over the previous year, with 63,772 enplanements. This compares to 33,413 last December and 76,312 in December 2019.
Concession revenue shows large increases in December, with food and gift sales up 113%, rental cars up 90%, and parking up 143% over November 2020. Outgoing air cargo increased 9.7% while incoming decreased 3.04%. For the year, total cargo is up 8.98%.
Last year was a recovery year as people took to the skies to make up for months of staying home. Travel demand began in March and lasted throughout most of the year, with peaks around the holidays. Over the Labor Day holiday, there was a peak day of 2,832 passengers which was way above the Sept. 2019 daily average of 2,283 passengers. Thanksgiving was strong with six days over 2,500. The highest day occurred on December 10 with 2,861 passengers which compares to a Dec. 2019 daily average of 2,462.
Aviation reports can be viewed at Airport Business.
