ABIA still booming

AUSTIN – Austin-Bergstom International Airport saw total passenger ridership increase by 4 percent in 2012. The 9.4 million passengers represented the busiest year on record, up from the previous record in 2011.

Passenger growth has been fueled by the strong economy and job growth in Austin. After the U.S. Formula One Grand Prix race, the airport set a record for outbound passengers with 21,823 people departing.

Airlines also added 39 new nonstop routes from Austin in 2012. The airport estimates that it generates an annual $2.4 billion economic impact to the Austin area.