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County staff and airlines report rising passenger traffic, new routes and airport investments at quarterly update
Summary
Volusia County aviation staff told the council passenger figures are rising and the airport has attracted low‑cost carriers and new markets; staff highlighted an MRG with Avelo and runway and LED light upgrades as part of ongoing airport investments.
Volusia County aviation and economic‑development staff briefed the Volusia County Council on May 20 about first‑quarter passenger traffic, new airline routes and infrastructure upgrades at Daytona Beach International Airport.
Lede and nut: County aviation director said passenger traffic increased in the first quarter compared with a year earlier and that new carrier routes and industry interest — including Boeing and Aura Aero activity in the region — are strengthening the airport’s economic contribution. Staff cited a 2023 minimum revenue guarantee (MRG) with Avelo and other marketing investments as drivers of incremental passenger and tax revenues.
Key figures and programs: Staff said the airport is forecasting about 750,000 passengers in 2025 and reported passenger gains of 4–7.5% in January–March. The council heard that a $1,000,000 MRG with Avelo (approved in 2023) helped attract ultra‑low‑cost service; staff said they expect to recoup roughly $200,000 of the MRG and that the county‑collected taxes tied to that route period totaled about $1,900,000. An economic‑impact estimate presented to the council attributed nearly $24,000,000 in local spending to the MRG period.
New service and planning: Staff noted Breeze Airways will begin Akron‑Canton service starting Sept. 3 (Wednesdays and Saturdays) and that Breeze will also pick up some Hartford flying. Conversations with carriers about potential nonstop service to Chicago and Dallas–Fort Worth were reported as ongoing. Staff highlighted a runway lighting upgrade (incandescent to LED), FAA safety recognition, and a stormwater repair project under a runway expected to close a runway only briefly and reopen ahead of schedule.
Why it matters: Airport officials framed the airport as an economic engine for the county tied to tourism, business travel and aerospace supply‑chain growth. The council discussed marketing budgets, recruitment of carriers and service diversity as levers to grow passenger and tax revenues.
Council comments and requests: Council members asked for passenger marketing materials and confirmation that allocated marketing budgets are being spent. The airport director said marketing campaigns were underway in key Northeast markets and that staff will report back on proposals and earlier‑than‑expected carrier scheduling to avoid budget pinch points.
Ending: Staff said they will continue airline recruitment and provide further details on proposed routes and marketing return‑on‑investment at future meetings.
