Friday, November 19, 2021 at 12:33 PM - For Immediate Release
October 2021 Sets Record for Monthly SMF Traffic
Sacramento International Airport (SMF) recorded more than 1 million passengers in October 2021, making it the second time this year that monthly traffic has exceeded 1 million. October figures from the Transportation Security Administration reflect a passenger increase of 9.3 percent (85,139 passengers) and a 5 percent increase in flight departures versus September 2021.
Historically, SMF has experienced an uptick in traffic demand during October, and this year is no different, given mid-fall holidays and the return of business travel in some sectors.
“This excellent traffic result is a testament to the resiliency of the SMF market during the COVID recovery,” said Cindy Nichol, Director of Airports for Sacramento County. “We are excited to welcome travelers back and to be part of providing them a safe, convenient and memorable travel experience.”
Given the current trajectory in traffic demand forecasting, we expect to approach a return to CY2019 traffic levels by the end of CY2022, somewhat sooner than originally envisioned.
Airlines serving SMF are matching increased passenger demand with new service offerings. In October, Southwest Airlines began twice-daily nonstop service to Palm Springs and starting in mid-December, nonstop service to Kona four times a week. Additional new service is anticipated to unfold in the year ahead.
SMF offers nearly 150 daily flights on twelve domestic and international carriers to 38 nonstop destinations. It is administered by the Sacramento County Department of Airports, which is responsible for planning, developing, operating and maintaining the county’s four airports: Sacramento International Airport, Mather Airport, Executive Airport, and Franklin Field.
Passenger traffic reports can be found on the Sacramento County Airport System's Reports Page.
The Sacramento County Department of Airports is responsible for planning, developing, operating and maintaining the county’s four airports: Sacramento International Airport, Executive Airport, Mather Airport and Franklin Field. Sacramento International Airport offers more than 155 daily nonstop flights on 12 domestic and international carriers to 36 destinations. The regional economic impact of the Sacramento County Department of Airports is more than $4 billion annually. For more information, visit sacramento.aero.