Cedar Rapids airport sets July passenger record

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Eastern Iowa Airport set another monthly record for passenger traffic in July.

A total of 103,712 travelers used the regional airport last month, eclipsing the previous same month record of 95,105 passengers in July 2007.

Airport Director Tim Bradshaw said the eighth month of record passenger travel is a testament to the economy in Eastern Iowa. Bradshaw said the growth also is driving renovations and upgrades to the airport's 27-year-old terminal.

A $47 million terminal modernization project started in June with the addition of a new canopy to the front of the building. The project also will include a renovated lobby, ticketing area and baggage claim as well as energy efficient upgrades to improve the use, function and carbon footprint of the terminal.

To alleviate some short-term constraints, the airport will be adding a passenger boarding bridge to the B gates, which are used for ground boarding. A 'switchback' ramp will be constructed this fall to raise passengers to the level of the boarding bridge and the aircraft it will accommodate.