Passengers Gradually Return To Piedmont Triad International Airport

Piedmont Triad International Airport is seeing a rise in passenger travel as people cautiously board planes for their summer vacations. But there could still be turbulence ahead.

A year ago, PTI was in the midst of a sustained period of growth led by the success of low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines, FedEx expansion and a booming economy. Then, from February to April everything ground to a halt — roughly two-and-a-half percent of normal operations — with one day seeing just 75 passengers.  

Today they're up to more than 800 passengers daily. Executive Director Kevin Baker says that's roughly 30 percent of where they need to be — but he's encouraged.

“It has been a steady climb since the mid part of April,” says Baker. “And a lot of the airlines are talking about adding extra capacity here starting in just a few days. So, hopefully, the trend will continue and any resurgence of the virus will be kept in check.”

To that end, he says he and his staff have been fully engaged in meeting CDC rules and regulations as well as those put in place by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper. There's signage throughout the airport reminding passengers to wear masks and observe spacing markers, and crews sanitize and deep clean the building every evening. 

“We certainly understand the concerns that folks may have over the virus,” he says. “We just want everyone to know that this airport is prepared to make sure that their experience while here will still be easy ... and it also will be very safe.”

Baker says the pandemic's impact on the overall industry — demand for new aircraft and maintenance — remains to be seen, but it's full steam ahead at PTI. They're currently preparing sites to lure new companies for future economic development. PTI is a major economic driver for the region with dozens of businesses employing some 6,000 workers.

For the most up-to-date information on coronavirus in North Carolina, visit our Live Updates blog here. WFDD wants to hear your stories — connect with us and let us know what you're experiencing.