U.S. Aviation System Experiences Record Passenger Numbers

Why it matters locally: Iowa residents traveling nationally are experiencing the same record-setting passenger volumes at airports and on flights that are impacting the broader U.S. aviation system.

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U.S. airports and airlines are observing a record-setting summer travel period. Airlines are accommodating the largest volume of passengers in their history. This occurs while the total number of flights operated by these same airlines has decreased compared to levels seen two decades ago. This combination of increased passenger traffic and a reduced number of flights places increased demands on the U.S. aviation system.