SRQ airport traffic flies higher

SARASOTA — The end of the summer, normally a slow time for airport travel in the Sarasota-Bradenton region, showed a surprising boost in passenger traffic compared with 2012.

Traffic at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, in fact, was up in August, September and October year over year, according to an airport statement. Traffic climbed 8.34% in August; 7.52% in September and 9.19% October, the airport says. Passenger traffic in total over the past three months has increased by 19,428 passengers over the same period in 2012, for a three-month total of 250,272 passengers. The airport goes by the call letters SRQ.

“We are pleased to see our local air carriers continue to grow at SRQ,” says SRQ President and CEO Rick Piccolo in a release. “The upcoming winter schedule looks strong and we anticipate increased bookings and continued growth throughout the season.”