Fresno Yosemite International Airport Sets All-Time Record With Over 1.7 Million Passengers Served

With Over 1.7 Million Passengers Served

Milestone year with a 14 percent increase triggered by new air service and expanded frequencies

Fresno, CA - Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) today announced record-breaking passenger volume with more than 1.7 million travelers served in Calendar Year 2018.  The Airport’s record year represents a 14 percent increase over Calendar Year 2017, which welcomed over 1.5 million passengers. 

“This significant achievement is driven by the support from travelers, businesses, community leaders as well as airline and airport partners all who play a key role in the Airport’s continued growth,” said Director of Aviation Kevin Meikle.  “As the new year begins and the Airport continues to grow, preparations on the FATforward expansion program has begun and a new surface parking lot is scheduled to open in the summer.” 

Expanded flight frequencies, transitions to larger aircraft and the launch of air service to new destinations that occurred in Calendar Year 2018 contributed to record-setting passenger traffic.  In May, ultra-low cost carrier Frontier Airlines launched service to Denver. United Airlines began nonstop seasonal service to Chicago in June and is resuming that service this March.  International carrier Volaris also added nonstop service to Morelia, Mexico.

FATforward is the largest expansion program in the Airport’s history and will include a $115 million multi-year; multi-phased program that will include Terminal and parking expansions and a new International Arrivals facility.  Expected to be operational by late 2022, the expansion will provide a world-class transportation facility capable of meeting the demands of the region and serve as a convenient, friendly airport with the best traveler amenities for years to come.

Recent expansion activities to keep pace with the Airport’s growth trend include the installation of a new passenger boarding bridge and Gate 6/8 remodel. The remodeled gate area provides new seating, charging outlets and dynamic signage in an open space setting complemented by a new passenger bridge for quick and easy boarding.

Record passenger growth in 2018 contributed to an annual economic impact of $844 million to the regional economy and an employment base of 9,800 direct, induced and indirect jobs.  Citing strong financial performance and record passenger levels, the Airport received a two notch upgrade in 2018 from Standard and Poor’s Global Ratings from ‘BBB+’ to ‘A’, with a Stable Outlook.

Fresno Yosemite International Airport - Fresno Yosemite International Airport currently offers Valley passengers daily nonstop flights to Chicago (Seasonal - Returns March 31, 2019), Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Guadalajara and Morelia, Mexico on domestic and international carriers.  Fresno Yosemite International Airport is a municipally owned entity operating as a self-supporting enterprise. No City of Fresno general funds are used to operate Fresno Yosemite International Airport or Fresno Chandler Executive Airport.

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