LMM airport sees 4.6% passenger growth in August
The Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, Puerto Rico’s main gateway, handled 1,186,630 passengers in August, a 4.6% increase from 1,134,323 during the same month last year, according to figures released by Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASUR).
International traffic rose 13.7% year over year, from 143,581 passengers in August 2024 to 163,234 this August. Domestic traffic also rose, increasing 3.3%, from 990,742 to 1,023,396 passengers.
Year to date, the airport processed 9,757,486 travelers, up 5.2% from 9,274,541 in 2024. International routes led the increase, growing 14.3% to 1,206,442 passengers from 1,055,947 last year. Domestic travel accounted for 8,551,044 passengers between January and August, a 4% rise from 8,218,594 in the same period last year.
“The 4.6% year-over-year increase in passenger traffic at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport during August, driven by a remarkable 13.7% rise in international travelers and a 3.3% increase in domestic passengers, highlights the sustained growth Puerto Rico has been experiencing in air travel demand,” said Willianette Robles-Cancel, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Co.
“This continued upward trend underscores the strong interest of global travelers in our destination and reflects the success of our collaborations with airline partners to expand air access to the Island, further strengthening Puerto Rico’s position as a leading hub in the Caribbean,” she told News is my Business.
ASUR, which operates airports in Mexico, Colombia and Puerto Rico, said San Juan remains the most dynamic part of its network. While total traffic across the system rose only 0.6% in August, San Juan outperformed with steady domestic demand and double-digit gains in international routes.
Passenger traffic at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport held steady in August as Aerostar reported a 1% year-over-year increase in airline capacity. The load factor, or seat occupancy rate, reached 89% for the month, reflecting resilient demand despite headwinds facing the global aviation industry.
“It’s hard to say if it’s the effect of [Bad Bunny’s] residency, but I have no doubt it has helped mitigate any declines that could have been experienced due to capacity adjustments and negative industry-wide trends seen in other markets,” said Jorge Hernández, president of Aerostar, the airport’s operator and ASUR’s local company.
The operator said Luis Muñoz Marín remains Puerto Rico’s primary link to international and U.S. mainland destinations, and the only major U.S. airport to complete a public-private partnership under the Federal Aviation Administration Pilot Program.
“San Juan continues to show strong results, led by international demand and supported by consistent domestic growth,” ASUR said.
