BOZEMAN – Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport shattered passenger records in 2018. The airport broke last year’s record by 11.9 percent with more than 1.3 million passengers.
Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport’s record-breaking year was capped by strong numbers last month.
“We had well in access of 100,000 passengers flying through the airport during the month and that culminates a very strong year in 2018,” airport director Brian Sprenger said.
The growing Gallatin Valley and the popular destinations that surround it factored into setting these records.
“We saw strength in both directions so it’s really is not only the local economy but also the tourism-based economy as well,” Sprenger said.
Passengers are seeing the benefits of a growing airport with more options.
“The addition of additional airlines, nonstop routes, more competition in several markets all means that there’s more opportunity for fares to come down and be more competitive,” Sprenger said.
This growth is expected to continue this year.
“The first half of the year we expect it to be up double digits as well. As we get into the summer season we’re seeing strength there,” said Sprenger.
Not only will passenger numbers continue to go up in 2019 but airport officials are hoping to get the ball rolling on adding more gates here in the terminal.
“The terminal expansion project which will add 4 additional gates – if all goes well and they approve that, we’ll see the first bids come in as early as the end of February,” Sprenger said.
By Carson Vickroy – MTN News
