South Bend International Airport served the most passengers during the first quarter of 2019 since 2001. 193,252 passengers flew in and out of the airport in the first quarter of 2019 compared to 188,273 in 2001.

Additionally, the airport served 23.42% more passengers in the first quarter of 2019 than 2018.

Airport leaders credit the growth in part to their Project Propel initiative, which encourages companies to invest in our own regional economy by adopting a Fly Local First policy that favors the South Bend/Elkhart and southwest Michigan region over the Chicago region.

“The recent increase of passengers flying in and out of South Bend would not be possible without the continued dedication and support of our community,” said Mike Daigle, SBN’s executive director. “Choosing to fly local will lead to more flight options and will make doing business with our region easier, faster and less expensive.”