Charlotte air traffic rises

PUNTA GORDA — The number of passengers flying through Punta Gorda Airport in January rose nearly 15% compared with the same month a year ago.

The Charlotte County Airport Authority says 33,988 passengers passed through the Punta Gorda airport in January. Two discount airlines serve the airport: DirectAir and Allegiant.

In 2011, more than 291,000 passengers passed through the Punta Gorda airport, a 60% increase from 2010. While it is experiencing substantial growth, the Punta Gorda airport's service remains modest compared to its larger neighbors in Fort Myers and Sarasota.

By comparison, in 2011 more than 7.5 million passengers flew through Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers and 1.3 million passengers passed through Sarasota Bradenton International Airport.