Spokane International Airport saw a record number of air travelers in 2023.

According to data provided by airlines serving the airport, traffic totaled more than 4.13 million passengers last year, an increase of 2.3% compared with the previous passenger record set in 2019.

Airlines also processed nearly 77,400 tons of cargo, the third highest tonnage on record at the airport.

Ezra Eckhardt, Spokane Airport Board chair, says in a press release, “2023 was a watershed year for Spokane International Airport, marked by strong growth, innovation, and continued investment in our facilities."

Eckhardt, who also is CEO of Liberty Lake-based STCU, adds that the record passenger thoroughfare the airport achieved in 2023 is driven largely by increases in seat capacity and speaks to growing demand for flights.

Other milestones that will enable future growth in passenger and freight traffic include new nonstop service to Charlotte, North Carolina, beginning June 5, and seasonal service to Dallas Love Field, beginning June 8; increased parking capacity; a new parallel taxi lane; and an expanded terminal ramp.

The airport is in the midst of its Terminal Renovation and Expansion Program known as TREX. The first phase of project, the $150 million, 144,000-squre-foot Concourse C expansion, which will include three new gates, is expected to be completed next year.

“By 2030, more than 6.2 million passengers are expected to use Spokane International Airport, and the ongoing TREX program enables us to accommodate this increasing demand,” Larry Krauter, Spokane Airports CEO, says in the release.