Long Beach Airport (LGB) has notched another high in its centenary by hitting a record-breaking number of travelers for the second time this year. In a release, a total of 189,435 outbound passengers were reported for May 2024, busting the previous record set in March 2024. This marks an upward spiral for LGB and continues to strengthen its role as a key player among Southern California's travel hubs. "These record-breaking numbers—the largest in Long Beach Airport’s century of service—underscore the fact that our award-winning airport is the gateway of choice for travelers in Southern California," Mayor Rex Richardson stated, as per the City of Long Beach.
May's figures show a 23.1% increase from the same month last year, with year-to-date numbers for 2024 also up by 18.6%. These leaps are partly owed to LGB's 58 flight slots now being used to more closely meet their capacity. Southwest Airlines, for one, acquired and proceeded to use 10 additional slots in 2023, signaling an intent to broadly expand its reach and flight schedule, according to the City of Long Beach.
With Long Beach Airport offering nonstop service to 24 destinations including Hawaii, the breadth of its route network is unmistakably diverse, more so now than at any previous time in its 100-year history. "As we celebrate 100 years of service, this is an incredible historic milestone to see more passengers move through LGB than ever before," Long Beach Airport Director Cynthia Guidry said, as stated by the City of Long Beach.
Long Beach itself, aside from the airport, is a Southern California destination rich with attractions. Home to some 466,000 residents, the city boasts a dynamic, diverse community, a vibrant downtown, and stretches of picturesque beaches. Long Beach stands unique as it merges the offerings of an eclectic city while retaining its unique neighborhoods and cultural spirit. More about the city and developments at the airport can be found by following their social channels, and additional information can be garnered from LGB's website.
