Long Beach Airport set a monthly passenger record in March, with 182,382 passengers departing from there to beat the previous record of 178,836 set in July 2018, officials announced Wednesday.
“These record-breaking numbers are a testament to our 100-year-old airport’s ongoing commitment to providing world-class service to travelers who know LGB is the gateway of choice for Southern California,” Mayor Rex Richardson said. “LGB remains committed to serving the needs of travelers while driving economic growth and prosperity for the region.”
Overall commercial passenger activity for March 2024 represented an increase of 21.95% compared to March 2023. Year-to-date figures through March revealed an 18.1% rise in total passenger numbers compared to the year prior.
Airport officials cited several key factors for the surge in passenger traffic, in particular the increased use of LGB’s 58 flight slots. Southwest Airlines acquired 10 additional flight slots in 2023 for a total of 50, and gradually began increasing its schedule.
Additionally, recent modernizations have taken place as part of Long Beach Airport’s ongoing $122 million Terminal Area Improvements Program.
“We are thrilled to see continued growth in passenger traffic at Long Beach Airport,” airport Director Cynthia Guidry said. “The diversification of our route network, coupled with ongoing improvements in infrastructure and services has positioned LGB as a preferred choice for travelers seeking convenience, comfort and connectivity.”
Officials said measuring departing passengers is the industry standard because the majority of airport revenues are generated directly or indirectly from those customers.
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