Laredo reports strong passenger traffic amid cautious economic outlook

Laredo's airport is on track for a promising year, with officials reporting a significant milestone of 50,000 passengers in the previous year, marking it as the best year yet for the facility. However, caution is advised as economic uncertainties loom. During the recent Airport Advisory Board meeting, members discussed the potential impact of these economic challenges on passenger numbers, forecasting a possible decrease to around 131,000 passengers for the current year.

The meeting highlighted the importance of cargo operations, which saw a strong performance in 2024 with 798 million pounds landed. Early 2025 has continued this trend, with 100 million pounds already recorded in just the first two months. However, officials noted that fluctuations in tariffs could significantly affect cargo operations, as evidenced by a drastic drop in activity on the day tariffs were implemented.

Concerns were raised about the potential reduction in flight frequency if load factors do not meet expectations. Laredo remains one of the few airports in the region to have increased capacity with American and United Airlines, but maintaining this growth will depend on passenger demand and economic conditions.

The board also discussed trends in passenger and cargo operations, noting seasonal variations that typically see a slowdown in early months as inventory levels adjust. Despite these challenges, the outlook for private and charter flights remains positive, with a notable increase in activity compared to the previous year.

As Laredo's airport navigates these complexities, the focus remains on sustaining growth and adapting to the evolving economic landscape, ensuring continued service and connectivity for the community.