Central Illinois Regional Airport Enjoys Record Breaking Month in October

 (November 12, 2010 - Bloomington , IL )… If the proof is in the numbers Central Illinois Regional Airport had a proof positive month in October.  Central Illinois Regional Airport experienced a record breaking month in October with the highest number of passengers ever flying from Bloomington-Normal translating to an impressive 19.8% increase in a month/year comparison with 2009.   

“It appears that business and leisure travel are regaining momentum in central Illinois”, said Paul Harmon chairman of the Bloomington-Normal Airport Authority.,” We have seen the upward trend in the last six months which has resulted in a year to date increase in passenger traffic of 15.3% for CIRA. To have just completed our best month ever is truly remarkable and well above the industry trends at this time.” 

October has not traditionally been the heaviest month for passenger traffic in central Illinois .  The summer months of June and July, followed by March, are typically the busiest with the combination of vacation travel and frequent business travel.  All airlines at CIRA have seen a rise in their passenger traffic numbers both for the month in October and year to date through October 31, 2010. 

“The combination of low fares, additional flights and the exceptional service that provides access to an almost unlimited number of global destinations has brought more travelers to CIRA these last few months than any other period in this airport’s history.,” said Carl Olson, Executive Director of Central Illinois Regional Airport. “This is a very positive momentum builder for CIRA as we shift into the holiday season and look forward to first quarter 2011.”

Central Illinois Regional Airport at Bloomington-Normal carried the most passengers in and out of Central Illinois in 2009.  With hundreds of destinations available on the world’s premier airlines, free parking and the easiest access in the region, CIRA remains a favorite for Central Illinois travelers. Nonstop flights to Ft. Myers , Florida on AirTran Airways begin February 17, 2011.  For more info rmation please visit www.cira.com.  Find the airport on Facebook under Central Illinois Regional Airport . ##

 Contact:    Fran Strebing, Central Illinois Regional Airport, 3201 CIRA Drive, Suite 200, Bloomington, IL 61704   P (309) 834-7378,  C(309) 275-5054