Board hears passenger, cargo and air‑service updates as airlines adjust capacity
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Summary
Airport staff reported continued passenger growth, cargo volume comparable to prior years, and shifting airline capacity — including Allegiant’s pullback from Los Angeles and ongoing work to grow routes and frequencies with American, United and other carriers.
Airport staff reported to the Laredo Airport Advisory Board on March 1 that passenger numbers reached a milestone of roughly 50,000 passengers in the most recent 12‑month period and that early-year passenger figures remain close to last year’s pace.
Staff said cargo volumes remain strong: the airport reported roughly 100 million pounds of cargo in the first two months of the year and noted 2024 landed about 798 million pounds (figure stated by staff). Staff warned cargo swings can be sudden: on a day tariffs took effect cargo operations at the field dropped to a single daily operation.
Board members and staff discussed recent route developments and capacity changes. Staff reported American Airlines represents about 60% of local market share (staff’s figure), United about 27% and Allegiant about 12%. Staff said Allegiant has reduced service to Los Angeles, citing carrier decisions about route economics. Staff also reviewed a small, scheduled Monterrey service that uses a 9‑passenger aircraft: the consultant reported the route’s February load factor had increased from earlier months and that an average of roughly six passengers per flight would approach break‑even for that carrier.
Airport staff said capacity increases have lowered some carriers’ load factors (for example, American’s load factor fell from about 82% to 74% as seat capacity increased), but staff characterized most carriers as having “good numbers” despite lower load factors.
Staff described airline outreach and business development efforts: meetings with carriers including Frontier, regional carriers and Mexican operators such as Polares and Viva. Staff said air‑service development often requires a revenue guarantee or other financial incentives and that no dedicated city program exists for guaranteed subsidy; past efforts have relied on ad‑hoc funds or stakeholder contributions.
On general aviation and customs services, staff emphasized the airport’s unique position on U.S.–Mexico customs clearances for a limited set of commodities and noted efforts to expand FTZ (foreign‑trade zone) activity and to market the airport’s cargo and FIS (Federal Inspection Services) capabilities.
No board action was taken on route development at this meeting; staff said it will continue airline outreach and report back on metrics and any proposed incentive requests.
