A record-setting 10.8 million passengers flew into and out of New York-area airports in August, statistics show.
Improvements to infrastructure, increased service to international destinations, and the rebounding economy are responsible for the surge, said officials at the Port Authority, which operates the airports.
The huge number of fliers in August — the last month for which records are available — represents a 10.2 increase over the same period in 2011.
The previous record was set in August 2007, when 10.7 million passengers flew into and out of JFK, La Guardia, Newark and Stewart airports combined.
The latest record was set, in large part, because of a dramatic increase in the number of international visitors, along with an overall increase at JFK and La Guardia.
August, a traditionally busy time for airports, broke the local record for the most international travelers ever, more than 4 million. That figure is 11.1 percent higher than for the same time in 2011.
JFK saw its most passengers ever for one month, with nearly 5 million. And La Guardia’s passenger traffic was also at an all-time high, exceeding the 2.5 million monthly mark for the first time.
“These record numbers illustrate the strength of our airport system and reaffirm the value of the investments we have made to enhance air travel at our airports,” said PA Chairman David Samson. In addition, the PA added high-speed taxi ways to the Bay Runway at Kennedy, which allows planes to travel to and from gates faster than before.
Those investments include a $100 million Delta expansion — which added 100 flights from La Guardia — additional customer service representatives, and increased international flights to and from La Guardia.