Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) has set a new record for travel. From May 2023 to the end of May 2024, 8,021,505 passengers flew through the airport. This is 13.875 percent higher than the pre-pandemic record of 7,045,388 set in February 2020 and 0.5 percent higher than the post-pandemic record of 7,979,119 set in March 2024.
“Setting a new record is an incredible accomplishment that can be credited to the hard work of our airport team and partners,” Director of Airports Laura Beebe said. “We continue to make improvements to the airport with the expansion of Concourse B and upcoming improvements to our food, beverage and retail shops. The PBI team strives to provide an excellent customer experience and works diligently to recruit new airlines and add additional nonstop destinations.”
The recent growth in PBI’s passenger numbers can be attributed to the public’s desire to travel and enhancements to service.
“This summer, Silver Airways returned to PBI with nonstop service to Tampa and Nassau, Bahamas. American Airlines extended service to Chicago O’Hare through the summer months,” Manager of Air Service Development Andrew Gamboa said. “We are expecting a very strong upcoming winter season with new and returning seasonal routes.”
Meanwhile, PBI is about to welcome its 15th airline. Porter Airlines will offer nonstop service to Toronto Pearson International (YYZ), Canada’s busiest airport, beginning in November.
“Porter is connecting travelers to West Palm Beach with an elevated economy service that is unmatched by any other carrier in North America. Whether that’s free Wi-Fi, no middle seats, free beer and wine alongside premium snacks, or fresh, healthy food, travelers will notice the difference when they fly with us,” said Kevin Jackson, president of Porter Airlines. “It’s a pleasure to bring our renowned style and charm to PBI.”
Beebe is excited to welcome this new addition to PBI’s available routes. “PBI is pleased to welcome Porter to our destination,” she said. “Having another travel option to Canada’s busiest airport, YYZ, offers PBI passengers an easy, convenient way to travel, whether they are enjoying a leisurely vacation, visiting family and friends, or attending a business meeting.”
Palm Beach International Airport is proud to be named the Fourth Best Airport in the U.S. Conde Nast 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards and Eighth Best Domestic Airport in Travel + Leisure magazine’s 2023 World’s Best Awards. PBI is also proud to be South Florida’s favorite and award-winning airport, named the Fourth Best Medium-Size Airport in the 2023 J.D. Power North America Airport Satisfaction Study and ranked “Best in the U.S.” for Shortest Overall TSA Wait Times by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.