The total of 320,000 passengers is an increase of more than 30,000 passengers from 2017, reflecting a 10 percent increase over the previous year and the highest totals for the airport for more than a decade.
“Those passenger figures are pretty significant, especially when you consider we were closed for an entire week this year to renovate the runway,” said IDA Director Rick Cloutier, in a press release from the city. “Had we not been shut down during that time, those number would have been much higher.”
With the exception of Boise, more than twice as many passengers used IDA in 2018 than any other regional airport in Idaho.
IDA currently has seven non-stop destinations to serve Idaho Falls travelers, which is more destinations presently offered at any airport in Idaho with the exception of Boise. In 2019 there are already additional available seats on larger aircraft that are scheduled to fly through Idaho Falls with additional frequency.
In addition to the recently improved runway and taxiway at IDA, the airport has also upgraded passenger amenities, renovating the restaurant on the main floor and adding the first-ever restaurant with beverage service to the secure, upstairs section of the airport. Future improvements are also in the works, including expanding the number of passenger boarding gates, improved traffic and security and a new baggage claim.
“We are working very hard to try and bring even more flights and additional airlines to Idaho Falls,” said Cloutier. “Our renovations and improvements are all part of that effort. It takes time, for sure, but we are working every day to bring more destinations to the residents of Idaho Falls and provide a premium experience for our passengers.”