Until 2024, XNA has seen just over a quarter of a million aircraft, the most recorded for the airport in the first three months of any year.
ARKANSAS, USA – Arkansas’ small airports have had a strong start to 2024 so far.
North Arkansas National AirportXNA) in Highfill had a record start to the year, despite being the months that are usually the slowest.
“January and February are typically our slowest months,” said Olivia Tyler, director of public affairs for XNA. “In 2024, we had our busiest January and February ever. For January, it was 13.4% from 2023, and for February, it was 17.8% from 2023.”
Tyler added that the record year is not surprising. She said the strong start is a carryover from the previous year.
“I think there was a bit of a question mark about what 2024 was going to be,” Tyler said. “In 2023, it was often labeled as a revenge trip. With this increase in enplanements continuing and seeing in 2024, it does not seem to be a revenge trip, it seems to be the new norm that more people fly XNA.”
XNA isn’t the only airport having a strong start to the year.
Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM) has seen an increase in travelers so far this year compared to last year. According to the airport’s passenger activity records, there were a total of 13,682 boardings in the first three months compared to 12,593 boardings last year.
Airport Manager Michael Griffin said he believes the increase is connected to more regular business travel in Fort Smith since COVID.
Griffin added that American Airlines will add a fourth flight in June to help deal with the increase in travelers during the summer months.
In addition, XNA is currently under renovation to expand its terminal. Tyler added that more projects are underway to help deal with the increased traffic.
“The XNA Access Road will be a great amenity for passengers coming from the south of the region,” said Tyler “It has been talked about repeatedly for the last 25 years before the opening of the airport. The fact that we are finally breaking ground on the project will be a huge benefit for our passengers”.
The start of the XNA access road will take place on Wednesday, April 17 at 11 am.
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