Baton Rouge airport passenger count up 4.2% through June

Halfway through the year, the Baton Rouge Metro Airport has seen a 4.2% increase in passengers compared to last year and officials are hopeful the addition of new direct flights in September will keep the momentum going.
The latest stats show 68,473 people traveled through the airport in June, with the departing passenger count up 2.1% and the tally of arriving travelers up 1.9%.
Interim Director of Aviation Mike Edwards attributes the increase to greater community support for the airport. In previous months, officials have also cited more flights and expanded seat capacity for increased airport use.
The airport has consistently reported passenger count increases in recent months, and last year the total count was up 4%.  
The increase is coming about three years after airport officials launched a new effort to attract more passengers, specifically aimed at local business travelers.   
“No single factor affects air service more than the choices companies and area residents make when it comes to airline ticket purchases,” says Jim Caldwell, airport marketing director and air service development manager.
Beginning on Sept. 13, Via Airlines will begin offering nonstop direct flights to Austin and Orlando with introductory fares beginning at $99 for a one-way ticket. If the new flights prove successful, Caldwell says, it will improve the chances of the airport landing additional service.