News Summary
Tallahassee International Airport (TIA) reported a 1.1% decline in passenger traffic for February 2025 compared to the previous year. This reduction, amounting to 804 fewer travelers, coincides with overall lower numbers since January. Key airlines showed mixed results, with American Airlines declining, while Delta and Silver Airways saw significant increases. Additionally, TIA’s loss of Jet Blue service may have impacted the overall traffic. Despite challenges, TIA secured a $6.7 million federal grant for infrastructure improvements to enhance future operations.
Tallahassee Sees Slight Dip in Airport Traffic This February
In the heart of Florida, Tallahassee International Airport (TIA) experienced a bit of a slowdown in passenger traffic this past February. The numbers have just rolled in and they show a 1.1% decrease when compared to the same month last year. To put it in simpler terms, that’s a drop from 71,745 passengers in February 2024 to 70,941 passengers in February 2025—making it a decline of 804 travelers.
The Year Hasn’t Started Off Strong
If we look at the numbers from January to February of this year, passenger traffic is down by 3.95% compared to the same period in 2024. What’s interesting is how airlines are faring during this time. American Airlines reported a decline of 6.2% in passenger counts, no doubt contributing to this overall reduction in numbers. On the bright side, Delta Group found itself riding a wave of success with a 10.9% increase in travelers compared to last year. Meanwhile, Silver Airways made waves with a jaw-dropping increase of 184.6%. How’s that for a comeback?
What Happened to Jet Blue?
It’s important to note that TIA said goodbye to Jet Blue Airlines late last year, as they ended their services in November 2024. This loss may have played a role in the overall decrease in passenger numbers for February. However, despite these challenges, TIA managed to accumulate an impressive 957,795 passengers in February 2025, marking a 9.21% increase from 876,999 passengers in February 2024.
A Growing Focus on Infrastructure
In an encouraging twist, the City of Tallahassee has secured a generous $6.7 million federal grant aimed at enhancing airport infrastructure. This funding will go towards constructing new taxiways and upgrading necessary lighting at TIA. Specifically, it will support the construction of Taxiway B11 and Taxiway B12, alongside critical renovations to Taxiway Bravo to comply with FAA safety standards. Such improvements are expected to make a significant impact on future operations.
Concerns About Costs and Options
Despite the positive highlights, travelers continue to voice concerns. Many are worried about the limited flight options and the high average airfare at TIA, which currently stands at $561.69. This price tag makes Tallahassee the airport with the highest average airfare among its peers across the nation’s top airports. In a recent comparison of over 400 airports, TIA ranked 146th, a position that is higher than other small airports.
Searching for Solutions
Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez has added his voice to the growing chorus of criticism aimed at TIA, specifically raising concerns regarding accessibility issues and the airport’s leadership structure. Many locals are calling for changes that would enhance services and potentially lower fares. It’s clear that air travelers are hoping for improvements that will make flying from TIA a more competitive and affordable option.
Looking Back on 2024
It’s worth mentioning that there were some standout moments in 2024. Passenger traffic at TIA saw a remarkable increase of 12.9% compared to 2023, totaling 965,921 passengers throughout the year. The airport’s ability to grow its numbers despite losing JetBlue service showcases resilience in a complex airline market.
As Tallahassee International Airport navigates these fluctuating numbers, only time will tell how it adapts and evolves to meet the needs of travelers. With infrastructure upgrades on the horizon and a clearer focus on passenger experience, TIA continues to be a key hub for the Sunshine State.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee Reports: Airport Traffic Starts 2025 Trending Down
- WTXL: Tallahassee Awarded $6.7 Million Federal Grant for Airport Infrastructure Improvements
- Tallahassee.com: Tallahassee Airport Has Highest Average Ticket Price, Study Shows
- Tallahassee.com: City of Tallahassee Receives $6.7M in Federal Grants for Airport
- AIN Online: Florida Airports Quickly Rebound After Helene
- Wikipedia: Tallahassee International Airport
- Google Search: Tallahassee airport news
- Google Scholar: Airport Infrastructure Improvements
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Airport
- Google News: Tallahassee International Airport
