(Fairbanks, Alaska) – Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) is preparing for record high passenger numbers this summer season. The increase in flights during the months of May – Sept. 2020, is up 26% from last season. This increase is due to new American Airlines (AA) flights, as well as additional seats being offered by all the major carriers in the shoulder months of May and Sept.

“My message continues to be that Alaska is open for business,” said Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy. “The continued increase in passenger numbers demonstrates that Alaska is one of the world’s top tourism destinations; these are significant positive economic impacts for Fairbanks and the State of Alaska.”

“Fairbanks continues to attract summer tourists to our Golden Heart City. Fairbanks International Airport is the gateway to Alaska’s Interior as well as Denali National Park,” said Angie Spear, Airport Manager.

In 2019, AA announced daily nonstop service between FAI and both Chicago and Dallas/Ft. Worth. It’s noteworthy that AA will become FAI’s third largest carrier this summer season, after Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines. AA’s service will commence in May and continue through Sept. UA will switch from four times weekly to daily service this summer with continuing direct service to Denver starting in June.

Passenger flights with Air North to FAI from Dawson City surpass expectations and have become one of the most popular summer tour packages. Both Alaska and Delta Airlines summer flights to Seattle and Minneapolis are seeing yearly increases in passenger loads.

“Most indicators show that the tourism industry in the Fairbanks region has had five consecutive years of record-breaking growth,” said Explore Fairbanks President and CEO Deb Hickok. “These additional flights capitalize on the increased demand created by the collaborative marketing efforts of tourism businesses and organizations.”