Huntsville International Airport Sets Record Pace for Third Consecutive Year
Huntsville International Airport (HSV) is experiencing record-breaking air travel for the third year in a row. Despite the recent federal government shutdown, passenger travel at the airport continues to thrive, according to CEO Butch Roberts.
“We’re on track to have another record year,” Roberts stated. “Even with the shutdown, we’re still doing very well. We haven’t seen a significant decrease in passenger traffic.
As of now, approximately 1. 3 million passengers have traveled through HSV this year, surpassing the 2024 numbers by 6. 8%. The airport set annual passenger records in 2023 (1,473,629) and 2024 (1,635,589). In September, 149,114 passengers traveled through the airport, a 7. 5% increase from the same time last year. This marks the sixth consecutive month that HSV has exceeded its 2024 numbers, with eight out of nine months showing growth.
Despite the shutdown, Roberts credits Huntsville’s economic diversification and growth for balancing out the impact on government travel, which has traditionally been a significant source of traffic for the airport. Additionally, leisure travel has increased since the Covid-19 pandemic.
HSV’s passenger traffic growth can also be attributed to other factors, such as an increase in available seats and flights, the addition of daily nonstop service to Orlando and New York City, and the return of twice-weekly nonstop service to Los Angeles. These additions have been made possible through partnerships with Breeze Airways and Delta Air Lines.
In terms of operations, Roberts states that the shutdown has had minimal impact on the airport. Despite not receiving paychecks, air traffic controllers, TSA, and Customs and Border Protection personnel continue to work at the airport and intermodal facility.
“We are grateful for their dedication and hard work,” Roberts expressed. “They are an essential part of our three large operations here, and they are still going strong.
To assist government workers during the shutdown, HSV is exploring ways to provide support, such as offering food. Other airports have also taken similar measures to help those affected.
Parking Deck Expansion Approved by Board of Directors
On Tuesday, the Port of Huntsville’s Board of Directors approved the expansion of HSV’s parking deck, which currently holds 2,394 vehicles. The $57 million project will add over 1,400 spaces to meet the increasing demand for parking.
“As our community grows, it is crucial for the airport to expand its services and amenities to accommodate the rising demand,” explained Joey Ceci, Board Chair for the Port of Huntsville. “This expansion ensures that we continue to provide convenience and exceptional service to our passengers.
Construction on the parking deck is expected to begin by the end of the year and will take approximately two years to complete.