The Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority experienced its highest passenger traffic for the month of June since 2001.

The Lehigh Valley International Airport (LVIA) got off to a strong summer travel season last month, experiencing its highest passenger traffic for the month of June in more than two decades.

A total of 92,652 passengers traveled through the airport in June 2022, a 4.33% increase over the 88,528 passengers it welcomed in June 2021, and the highest level of passenger traffic for the month of June since 2001, when it saw 93,169 passengers.

“There’s definitely a notable buzz in the terminal complex as travel demand remains high,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, Executive Director of the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority (LNAA)

“We don’t anticipate a slow down in activity at ABE until after Labor Day weekend,” Stoudt said. “Throughout these last few months, airport staff and stakeholders have done an amazing job of providing the highest level of customer service during this summer surge of passengers.”

LVIA offers nonstop flights to leisure and business destinations aboard Allegiant, American, Delta, and United Airlines. Allegiant reported a traffic jump of 13.01% at LVIA in June 2022 compared to June 2021, while American moved up 8.24% and United was up 3.14%.

LVIA is a critical economic asset for the Lehigh Valley. The airport plays a pivotal role in regional economic development in Lehigh Valley, and transportation resources are an important resource for site selectors and businesses considering where to locate a building or expand an existing one.

The airport, located in Hanover Township, Northampton County, is also a key regional asset when it comes to logistics and supply chain management. A total of 17.5 million pounds of air cargo were processed through LVIA in June 2022, according to LNAA.

Additionally, having a regionally-based airport like ABE is helpful for foreign direct investment in the Lehigh Valley. When companies based overseas are seeking places in the United States for investment, it is critically important that they have quick access to their facilities via airports.

In May 2021, the LNAA started construction on a new TSA Checkpoint and Terminal Connector, which will elevate the customer experience through a more expedient passenger screening process, while the new energy-efficient terminal connector improves passenger access and while delivering a more streamlined route from ticket counter to takeoff.

“This project has approached the halfway point with structural steel complete. Additionally, two (2) 90-foot bridge truss’ were recently installed to create the connection into Wiley Departure Terminal. We’re looking forward to providing this new facility for our passengers in 2023,” Stoudt said.

LVIA is a partner in Made Possible in Lehigh Valley, a multi-organizational marketing initiative that highlights the region’s diverse and unique assets that make it a desirable community to visit, work, learn, and live.

Other partners in the Made Possible in Lehigh Valley initiative include the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC), Discover Lehigh Valley, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors, and others.

The fourth largest airport in Pennsylvania, LVIA’s vision is to be the best regional airport system in North America by providing an unmatched experience for passengers as they travel through our terminals to board their flights.

Destinations via LVIA include Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood, Myrtle Beach, Nashville, Newark, Orlando Sanford, Punta Gorda, Sarasota/Bradenton, Savannah/Hilton Head, St. Pete/Clearwater and Washington D.C.