U.S. Aviation System Experiences Record Passenger Numbers

Why it matters locally: While details aren't provided for specific airports, record national passenger numbers and fewer flights could contribute to increased wait times and potential delays at major Arizona airports, impacting travelers to and from cities like Phoenix and Tucson.

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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.