U.S. Aviation System Experiences Record Passenger Numbers

Why it matters locally: Michigan residents traveling out of Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) or other state airports are likely experiencing these national trends of fuller flights and potentially higher demand for seats, echoing the nationwide increase in passenger numbers on fewer flights.

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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.