Airport traffic rises sharply in February

ST. PETERSBURG — St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport set a new record for passenger traffic in the month of February, with 172,790 travelers transiting the airport.

That number represents a 14% increase over February 2017, according to a press release. Year-to-date, the airport's passenger traffic is up 11%.

Allegiant Air, the airport's dominant airline, accounted for the bulk of the passenger load in February. According to the release, Las Vegas-based Allegiant now provides nonstop service from 57 destinations to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport.

International traffic was also up from February last year, rising by 4%, the release states.