U.S. Aviation System Experiences Record Passenger Numbers

Why it matters locally: Vermont residents are experiencing the effects of record national passenger numbers through increased demand and potentially higher fares for flights connecting to and from Burlington International Airport and other regional airfields. This trend could also impact the state's tourism industry, which relies on air travel for visitors.

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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.