News Release

Duluth, MN - Duluth International Airport officials announced today that passenger traffic during the second quarter of 2010 was up 20% over the second quarter 2009.

A total of 78,320 passengers passed through the airport's gates in April, May and June of this year, which is up 20 percent over last year.

Looking at each month individually, passenger numbers were up 13.6 percent in April, 23 percent in May and 23 percent in June, as compared to the same months in 2009.

"These numbers demonstrate that demand for flights in and out of Duluth is increasing, and that's good news for the airport and for everyone who lives in this region," explains Duluth Airport Authority Executive Director Brian Ryks. "The new service from Allegiant Air to Orlando and United Airlines to Chicago is the reason we're seeing gradual growth in these numbers. It is critical consumers continue to use these new services in order to retain them and attract new non-stop destinations from Duluth International.  Additional carriers create healthy competition, which means more competitive airfares and more flight options.  That in turn leads to more people wanting to fly out of Duluth - it's a wonderful cycle."

About Duluth International Airport

Duluth International Airport is the region's largest airport, with a 24-hour FAA control tower and two runways, including one of the longest runways in Minnesota at 10,162 feet.

Allegiant Air offers two weekly nonstop flights to Las Vegas and two weekly nonstop flights to Orlando; Delta offers eight daily nonstop flights to Minneapolis/St. Paul and two daily nonstop flights to Detroit; and United Express offers twice daily nonstop flights to Chicago;

The airport is ready to start phase 2 of a $65 million new terminal project. The airport will remain fully operational throughout the project. For additional information, visit www.duluthairport.com.

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