The number of passengers using Midland International Air and Space Port remains on a steady descent.
Boarding numbers at the airport were down to the lowest since 2011, according to figures released by the City of Midland.
Airport Operations Manager Aaron Easton said, “Usually whenever oil drops, we see a reduction in enplanements as a result.”
Easton said. “With the downturn in the price of oil, usually oil companies tend to cut business travel. That’s one of the very first things they start cutting.”
Easton said about 33,000 people boarded an airplane in Midland last month – the lowest monthly total in five years.
“So you just kind of weather the storm and come bouncing back stronger than ever,” Easton said.
Alabama native Robert Hawkins flew into Midland Thursday afternoon and said he was surprised to see how empty the airport was.
“Just flying in, it didn’t look like any of the pumps were pumping oil,” Hawkins said. “So that would mean to me there’s not much money being brought in and probably not many people coming in.”
Easton said the airport remained on firm financial footing.
“Obviously a drop in enplanements makes the terminal look a little bit more empty, but we’re financially sound here at the airport,” said Easton.
Easton said the first few months of every year are traditionally pretty slow and he expected at least a partial rebound during the summer travel months.
(Information from yourbasin.com)
