Quad Cities International Airport sees strong start to 2022
March 22, 2022
Traffic improved 70% over February 2021, with a total of 40,752 passengers going through the Quad Cities International Airport last month. Only 23,981 traveled in February 2021.
“There’s no doubt that the loosening or removal of COVID mitigations as a result of declining cases are playing a role in what we’re seeing this year so far,” said Ashleigh Davis, public relations and marketing manager.
While the majority of cities and states are loosening restrictions, the federal mask mandate is still in place through April 18. U.S. airports, airlines and public transportation are all included in the mandate which requires face coverings at all times, except when eating or drinking. According to TSA.gov, “CDC will work with government agencies to help inform a revised policy framework for when, and under what circumstances, masks should be required in the public transportation corridor.”
Spring break 2022 is also shaping up to be the busiest since 2019, though still slightly below 2019 levels. This aligns with many analysts’ predictions that full recovery may not occur until 2023. One roadblock to recovery is widespread airline crew shortages. Despite surging demand, airlines continue to cut routes, decrease frequency of routes or delay restoration of routes that were suspended in 2020.
Business travel also remains sluggish, causing airlines to hedge their bets with vacation destinations with the limited resources available.
“I think we will see more business travel this year – though it may be more of a slow trickle versus the rapid return of leisure travel,” said Davis. “Even within our own organization, we’ve been to several conferences already this year with more planned. There is value in meeting face to face with the people that directly impact your organization.”