U.S. Aviation System Experiences Record Passenger Numbers

Why it matters locally: Increased demand on the national aviation system could impact travelers from South Dakota utilizing flights for business or leisure, potentially leading to busier airports and fuller planes at departure points like Rapid City Regional Airport or Sioux Falls Regional Airport.

---

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.