SPOKANE, Wash. – Totaling more than 4.13 million passengers throughout last year, 2023 was Spokane International Airport’s busiest year to date.
This new total is a 2.3 percent increase from the previous passenger record set in 2019, according to a release from the Spokane International airport.
In addition to an increase in passengers, the airport also processed 77,398 tons of cargo in 2023, which is their third highest tonnage on record.
According to the airport’s board chair, Ezra Eckhardt, 2023 was a watershed year for them thanks to strong growth, innovation, and continued investment in their facilities.
“As an important regional gateway and economic engine, we’re proud to connect the world to people, places and industries that call the Inland Northwest home. Each year, Spokane International Airport generates approximately $3 billion in economic impact across the region, and the record passenger thoroughfare the Airport achieved in 2023 – driven largely by increases in seat capacity – speaks to the growing demand for air connectivity in our community and airline partners’ continued commitment to investing in our local market,” Eckhardt said.
The airport achieved several other milestones last year including year-over-year increases to flight operations and seat capacity, new nonstop service, increased parking capacity and a new parallel taxilane and expanded the terminal ramp.
Additionally, the airport also made progress on their plans to expand and enhance the terminal facility through the Terminal Renovation and Expansion (TREX) Program.
The first phase of this project, which will add three new hold rooms, three new boarding bridges and a suite of new passenger-focused amenities, is expected to be completed in June.
More than 6.2 million passengers are expected to use the Spokane International Airport by 2030, according to Spokane Airports CEO Larry Krauter.
Krauter also said that the TREX program is intended to help accommodate this increasing number of passengers as well as maintain convenience and create a lasting positive impression of the Spokane region.
“We are thankful for every passenger that chose to make Spokane International Airport part of their travel in 2023 and look forward to building on opportunities to enhance the airport experience for travelers in 2024 and beyond.”
More information on the airport’s development projects can be found on their website.
