In spite of a downturn in air travel during the months of June and July, passenger traffic at Tucson International Airport (TIA) for the first seven months of 2008 is up 1.23% compared with last year.

“The decrease in June and July passenger traffic is not unexpected, given the high cost of fuel and the airlines’ corresponding reduction in capacity and rise in air fares,” said Tucson Airport Authority President and CEO Bonnie Allin. “The fact that year-to-date traffic is still ahead of last year is positive, since we are comparing this year to the highest year on record in the history of Tucson International Airport.”

Allin says the impact of nationwide airline flight reductions for the fall and winter seasons will begin to be felt in September, as airlines reduce seat capacity in an effort to regain profitability. “For TIA, this will mean about an 18% loss of available seats,” says Allin. “While we are disappointed that current economic conditions are resulting in the loss of several recently added nonstop destinations, Tucsonans will continue to have excellent travel options and competitive fares from TIA.”