First Quarter strong for Durango-La Plata County Airport

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DURANGO, Colo. –  Passenger traffic continued its strong growth during the first quarter of 2009 at the Durango-La Plata County Airport, increasing 18.5 percent during the first three months of 2009.

During March, 11,174 passengers boarded commercial aircraft, a 35 percent increase over March of 2008. This follows a record breaking year in 2008 when 136,665 passengers enplaned in Durango, an increase of 18.1 percent from 2007, the previous record.

Airport officials attribute this increase to expansion of Denver service on United and Frontier Airlines, a significant reduction in fares, and a strong marketing campaign in the Four Corners area. 

“We are a bit surprised at the strong growth here considering the national economy” said Ron Dent, director of aviation. “Many airports are experiencing a reduction in airline capacity but United Airlines has increased seat capacity from Durango by introducing the 70-seat Bombardier Regional Jet on some flights in addition to the three daily flights to Denver offered by Frontier Airlines.” 

The three airlines serving Durango now offer 600 seats daily to Denver and 111 daily seats to Phoenix. For more information regarding flights in and out of Durango, visit www.flydurango.com.

 

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