Passenger traffic at Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) increased 11 percent in 2015, marking the sixth consecutive year of growth and the highest year-over-year growth since the early 90s. On the city’s north side, Smith Field Airport (SMD) had a record year for general aviation fuel sales.

At FWA, passenger enplanements, or the number of people boarding flights, totaled 359,051 compared to 324,151 in 2014. Compared to 2009 when the upward trend began, enplanements have risen 35 percent. Total traffic for the airport, which includes enplanements and deplanements, also rose 11 percent in 2015, totaling 715,907 compared to 643,887 in 2014.

“Our two newest nonstop flights were able to mature and build momentum in 2015 and the traffic numbers reflect that. This growth is entirely thanks to the community for supporting their local airport,” said Scott Hinderman, executive director of airports for the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority. “We’re looking forward to continuing our focus on customer service in 2016 and working toward another year of growth.”

FWA offers daily, nonstop service to seven major hubs: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Detroit, Minneapolis, and Philadelphia. Allegiant also offers twice-weekly, nonstop service to Orlando/Sanford, Fort Myers/Punta Gorda, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Phoenix/Mesa, and Myrtle Beach (seasonally).

Smith Field Airport experienced record growth last year, where general aviation fuel sales totaled 70,787 gallons, topping 2014’s previous record of 58,030 gallons.

“Growing the general aviation community is important to the airport authority,” Hinderman said. “The team at Smith Field works very hard to make sure our customers are happy and their dedication to service has no doubt contributed to this record year.”

About Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority
The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority was created in 1985 and is responsible for managing Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) and Smith Field Airport. The airport authority is governed by a six-member board appointed by the Mayor of Fort Wayne and the Allen County Commissioners. Serving northeast Indiana and the surrounding region, FWA offers nonstop service to 12 cities on four airlines. In 2015, FWA served 715,907 passengers – an 11 percent increase over 2014. For more information about the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority, visit www.FWAirport.com.