January traffic was up 7.1% at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport as 2020 begins with strong traffic growth.

Roanoke VA., February 28, 2020 – The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport starts 2020 with January traffic growing 7.1% on a year over year basis. January 2020 saw 53,016 passengers fly via ROA compared to 49,464 in Janaury of 2019 an increase of 3,552 passengers.

Strong community support, additional capacity (up 4.2%), fare moderation and improved airline operational reliability have all played roles in the continuation of sustained passenger growth, which began in September of 2016 and has now reached 28 consecutive months. January 2020’s increase of 3,552 passengers versus January 2019 equates to 114 more passengers flying ROA each day.

 “We are pleased to see this positive trend continue into 2020, especially given our strong traffic numbers in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019,” stated Timothy T. Bradshaw, A.A.E., executive director of the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission.  “Passenger demand is a critical factor when speaking with airlines regarding improving and increasing air service to our region.  Our carriers have added capacity at ROA and our customers have utilized it, which has led to carriers adding more capacity and hopefully new destinations. Robust air service is a critical component for economic growth in the region. Using our existing air service is the only way we will get more air service. We appreciate the support of our community choosing to fly ROA and not driving out of market to fly.”

The Commission continually works with the airlines to improve reliability, reduce airfare and upgrade equipment serving the region.  This has played a significant role in the increase of passengers using the airport.  The commission continues to invest resources to promote the services available at ROA and sincerely thanks our customers for choosing to fly ROA.

ABOUT THE ROANOKE-BLACKSBURG REGIONAL AIRPORT

The Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport is the primary airport for Virginia’s Blue Ridge and the New River Valley.  ROA serves over 719,000 passengers per year via 4 airlines (American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, and Allegiant Air) with nonstop service to 6 (Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago-O’Hare, New York-LaGuardia, Philadelphia, and Washington-Dulles) hub cities as well as weekly flights to Orlando Sanford International Airport and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. To learn more, please visit www.flyroa.com. 

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