Passenger numbers dip at Rockford airport

ROCKFORD — Officials at Rockford’s airport say passenger numbers declined in January and February, largely because a flight to Fort Myers, Fla., wasn’t available during most of that time.

The Chicago Rockford International Airport saw a nearly 10 percent dip in passenger numbers in January and February, compared to the same months last year.

The airport served more than 16,000 passengers in January of this year and nearly 19,000 passengers in February. Flights during those months were 87 percent full.

Airport Director Mike Dunn says the airport’s new Apple Vacation service to Montego Bay, Jamaica, could lead to a rebound in the numbers in March.

The Rockford airport is served by three airlines: Allegiant, Apple Vacations and Frontier. Nonstop destinations include Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando and Phoenix.