Airport traffic keeps up record-setting pace

CLEARWATER — November was a big month for the St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE).

According to a press release, the number of passengers traveling through the airport on domestic flights — the bulk of which are operated by Allegiant Air — increased 18% over November 2016, rising from 144,394 to 171,040 passengers.

The number of international passengers was down 21% in November, however, compared to the same month a year ago.

Year-to-date, PIE has seen an overall passenger increase of 11%, rising from a then-record 1,837,035 in 2016 to 1,863,233 in 2017, according to the release.

November was also notable for the airport because of the launch of service to two new destinations: Phoenix/Mesa, Ariz.; and Ogdensburg, N.Y.