Long Beach Airport is flying high after setting a new record for passenger traffic in March, firmly establishing itself as a preferred gateway in Southern California. According to the City of Long Beach's press release, a whopping 182,382 travelers boarded flights last month — the highest number in LGB's century-long history and a climb from the previous record set in July 2018.
The surge in numbers is not just a one-off spike, the airport's performance in March represented a substantial 21.95% year-over-year increase. Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson hailed the achievement, saying, "These record-breaking numbers are a testament to our 100-year-old Airport’s ongoing commitment to providing world-class service, to travelers who know LGB is the gateway of choice for Southern California." The mayor's office also underscored LGB’s role in driving regional economic growth and prosperity.
This year's jump in traveler count at LGB didn't just happen out of the blue. The rise has been attributed to the airport offering more flights than ever — a record 58 daily slots are now in use. Just last year, Southwest Airlines snatched up 10 extra slots, boosting its total to 50 and thereby expanding its flight schedule. This move, along with service expansions from Delta Air Lines and Hawaiian Air, has resulted in a whopping 24 nonstop destinations now being served directly from Long Beach.
But it's not just the numbers that are impressive, it’s the experience too. Airport Director Cynthia Guidry credits the diversification of LGB's route network, as well as the $122 million Phase II - Terminal Area Improvements Program for elevating the traveler experience. "We are thrilled to see continued growth in passenger traffic at Long Beach Airport," Guidry told the city press team. Recent modernizations, have made passing through the airport a breeze — from the moment passengers step off the curb to the time they reach their gate.
Situated between Los Angeles and Orange counties, LGB not only serves as an air travel hub but also boasts Class A office buildings, retail spaces, industrial facilities, a hotel, and even a municipal golf course. This blend has caught the eye of travelers nationwide, earning it a spot among the Top Ten airports in the country by Condé Nast Traveler for two years running.
As for the local context, Long Beach has plenty to offer. This Southern California city has a population of nearly half a million and is a bustling tourist and business hotspot. Attractions like the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, and the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center have put it on the map. Insights into the city's ongoing developments, including those at LGB, are regularly updated on Long Beach's official social media channels and websites.
