Eastern Iowa Airport declared December 2013, January and February 2014 record setting months

Cedar Rapids, IA, 2014-03-27 — /Travel PR News/ — They have done it again, and again, and again! For the second time in a year, The Eastern Iowa Airport reached record passenger travel for three straight months. December 2013, January 2014, and February 2014 were record setting months.

A total of 89,869 passengers traveled through the airport in December, beating the previous same-month record of 87,552 set in December of 2002.

A total of 83,664 passengers used the airport in January, topping the previous same-month record of 81,690 passengers in January 2007.

February also produced a second straight year of record number of travelers with 82,830 passengers, eclipsing the previous same month record of 79,359 passengers in February 2013.

Adding to this achievement is the fact that the airlines experienced the worst winter in 20 years causing significant delays and cancelations.

“We look at the numbers and wonder what our passenger traffic would have been if we had not been so hard hit by winter,” said Tim Bradshaw, Airport Director. “Our success at the airport directly reflects what is happening in the community. Part of it might be people just wanting to get out of the cold, but more likely it reflects our a strong economy and strong business travel.”

In 2013, the airport reported record numbers in February, March, and April. The continued growth is driving renovations and upgrades to the 27 year old terminal. To alleviate some short term constraints, the airport will be adding a passenger boarding bridge to the B gates, currently ground boarding only.  In 2016, the plans are in place to build a second concourse at the B Gates that will add two additional passenger boarding bridges, expand the hold rooms in the C concourse, and expand the security check point.

Starting in April of this year, the terminal modernization project will start with the addition of a new canopy to the front of the building, renovated lobby, ticketing area, and baggage claim, and energy efficient upgrades to improve the use, function, and carbon footprint of the terminal. They will also begin a 5 year parking lot and pavement improvement project.

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