Long Beach Airport Sets New Passenger Traffic Record

Long Beach, CA - Long Beach Airport (LGB) has reached a new milestone, setting an all-time monthly record for the most passengers to board flights from LGB during its 100-year history. A total of 182,382 passengers departed from LGB in March 2024, surpassing the previous record of 178,836 enplanements set in July 2018. Measuring enplaned passengers is the industry standard because the majority of airport revenues are generated directly or indirectly from enplaned passengers.

"These record-breaking numbers are a testament to our 100-year-old Airport's ongoing commitment to providing world-class service to travelers who know LGB is the gateway of choice for Southern California," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "LGB remains committed to serving the needs of travelers while driving economic growth and prosperity for the region."

Overall commercial passenger activity for March 2024 represented an increase of 21.95% compared to March 2023. Year-to-date figures through March for 2024 revealed an 18.1% rise in total passenger numbers compared to the year prior.

Several key factors have contributed to the surge in passenger traffic, in particular the increased use of LGB's 58 flight slots. Southwest Airlines acquired 10 additional flight slots in 2023, for a total of 50, and gradually began increasing its schedule.

Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Air and Southwest Airlines currently offer service to 24 nonstop destinations around the nation, including Hawaii, which is more nonstop service than at any time in LGB's 100-year history.

Additionally, recent modernizations as part of Long Beach Airport's ongoing $122 million Phase II - Terminal Area Improvements Program have enhanced the overall experience from curb to gate, making travel even more convenient for passengers.

"We are thrilled to see continued growth in passenger traffic at Long Beach Airport," said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. "The diversification of our route network, coupled with ongoing improvements in infrastructure and services has positioned LGB as a preferred choice for travelers seeking convenience, comfort and connectivity."

Situated at a central position between Los Angeles and Orange counties, Long Beach Airport-celebrating its 100th year-encompasses 1,166 acres and has three runways to support robust commercial and general aviation operations. It is unique among municipal airports for its diverse portfolio of Class A office buildings, retail, industrial facilities, a hotel and a municipal golf course. The Airport was recently named for a second consecutive year among the Top Ten airports in the country by Condé Nast Traveler magazine.

Monthly commercial passenger traffic reports are available on LGB's website.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. More information about Long Beach Airport is available at lgb.org and on Facebook, Instagram and X @LGBAirport.