Another record month for The Eastern Iowa Airport

Passenger traffic through The Eastern Iowa Airport set another record in April, continuing a trend that began in February.

A total of 85,676 passengers traveled through the airport in April, eclipsing the previous same-month record of 85,452 travelers set in April 2007. Last month's total passenger count included a record 42,315 departing travelers.

"This is a testament to the strength of the economy in the corridor," said Airport Director Tim Bradshaw. "We are tremendously lucky to have such a strong community. Many airports similar to The Eastern Iowa Airport  are not seeing the continued growth that we are in Eastern Iowa."

A total of 99,664 passengers used the airport in March, beating the previous same-month record of 98,435 passengers in March 2000. There were 48,948 departing travelers in March and 50,716 arriving passengers.

February also produced a record number of travelers with 79,359 passengers, eclipsing the previous same month record of 78,738 passengers in February 2006. There were 40,466 departing travelers in February and 38,893 arriving passengers.

The record passenger travel comes at a time when the airport is completing work with a consultant on a master plan that outlines the direction the airport will be going through the next five to 20 years. The Cedar Rapids Airport Commission is expected to receive the final plan in July for its review and approval.

The plan will reportedly recommend improvements to the 26-year-old passenger terminal, expansion of the ground transportation and rental car parking area, an expanded security check point, and additional gates.