Passenger traffic at Jacksonville International Airport hit a record high of more than 7.6 million in 2024, the airport announced Jan. 29.
The Jacksonville Aviation Authority reported that volume at JIA increased 2.8% over 2023, the previous record year.
“Our passenger volume continues to increase as Northeast Florida and the local economy grow,” JAA CEO Mark VanLoh said in a news release. “Airlines have taken note, adding frequencies, cities and larger aircraft at JAX.”
Two airlines will begin service at JIA this year. Avelo Airlines will launch a nonstop route to New Haven, Connecticut, on Feb. 14. Air Canada announced in September that it was bringing back a Jacksonville-to-Toronto route beginning in May.
Air Canada provided service between Jacksonville and Toronto from May 2016 through April 2019. When that service ended, it left JIA with no nonstop, scheduled international flights, although the airport continued to handle international charter flights and diverted aircraft.
Other airlines are expanding Jacksonville service.
Breeze Airways will begin service to New Haven, Connecticut, beginning Feb. 6
Delta will begin daily nonstop service to Austin, Texas, starting May 7.
Allegiant Airlines, which connects Jacksonville to eight destinations, will begin year-round service to Akron/Canton, Ohio, Des Moines, Iowa, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, starting in May.
Based on sustained growth in passenger volume, JAA is working on infrastructure improvements. Among them are construction of a third concourse, Concourse B, which will add six new gates, new concessions and passenger amenities. A third parking garage will add about 2,000 new spaces.
JAA says both projects are expected to be completed in late 2026.
An expanded security checkpoint with new screening technology and additional lanes opened in late 2023.