ARKANSAS, USA — Small Arkansas airports have had a strong start to 2024 so far.
The Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) in Highfill has had a record-breaking start to the year, despite being the months that are usually the slowest.
"January and February are typically our slowest months," Olivia Tyler, public affairs manager for XNA, said. "In 2024, we had our busiest January and February ever. For January, it was up 13.4% from 2023, and for February, it was up 17.8% from 2023."
Tyler added that the record-breaking year is not surprising. She said the strong start is a carryover from the previous year.
"I think that there was somewhat of a question mark of what 2024 was going to look like," Tyler said. "In 2023, it was often labeled as revenge travel. With this increase in enplanements continuing and seeping into 2024, it doesn't seem to be revenge travel, it seems to be the new norm that more people are flying XNA."
XNA isn't the only airport having a strong start to the year.
The Fort Smith Regional Airport (FSM) has seen an increase in travelers so far this year compared to last year. According to the Airport’s Passenger Activity Records, there have been a total of 13,682 enplanements in the first three months compared to 12,593 enplanements last year.
Airport Manager Michael Griffin said he believes the increase is connected to the more regular business travel in and out of Fort Smith since COVID.
Griffin added that American Airlines will be adding a fourth flight in June to help deal with the increase in travelers over the summer months.
Additionally, XNA is currently undergoing renovations to expand its terminal. Tyler added that more projects are underway to help deal with the increase in traffic.
"The XNA Access Road is going to be a huge amenity for passengers that are coming in from the south of the region,” Tyler said. “It has been talked about over and over again for the past 25 plus years before the airport opened. The fact that we are finally breaking ground on the project is going to be a huge benefit for our passengers."
Groundbreaking for the XNA Access Road will be held on Wednesday, April 17 at 11 a.m.
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