U.S. Aviation System Experiences Record Passenger Numbers

Why it matters locally: Increased passenger numbers nationally, coupled with reduced flights, could put additional strain on Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which serve the District of Columbia.

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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.