Eastern North Carolina and Coastal Carolina Regional Airport (EWN) have seen a remarkable year-over-year rise in travel, with a 47% growth in passenger traffic to the airport and surrounding area this summer.
Between May and August 2024, more than 2.1 million people visited Craven County. The increased demand for travel to our region, coupled with expanded air service at EWN, has played a pivotal role in this growth.
Coastal Carolina Regional Airport along with community partners have been key players in this uptick, bolstered by increased seat capacity on our two scheduled airlines including the introduction of two new Breeze Airways nonstop flights to Orlando, Florida and Hartford, Connecticut.
The airport’s ongoing terminal expansion and upgrades have also enhanced its ability to accommodate the growing number of passengers. American Airlines, in particular, saw a notable 26% increase in traffic to EWN in 2024, further cementing the airport’s role as a critical gateway to Eastern North Carolina.
“This summer has been remarkable for New Bern and Craven County,” said Melissa Riggle, Executive Director of the Craven County Tourism Development Authority. “With enhanced air service and a growing demand for the unique experiences our region offers, we’ve seen significant growth. We’re excited about the momentum and confident that New Bern will continue to shine as a premier destination in Eastern North Carolina.”
The top states from which travelers arrived include Virginia, Florida, Pennsylvania, and New York, with Florida showing a remarkable 36% increase in visitors year-over-year. In addition, Connecticut saw an incredible 68% growth in travel to the region, underscoring the expanded reach and appeal for the, first of its kind, nonstop flights offered by Breeze Airways to Coastal Carolina.
The expanded air service, combined with the airport’s strategic and timely improvements, have played a key role in making travel more accessible and convenient for visitors and area residents alike. The terminal expansion has allowed for improved passenger experiences positioning EWN as an even more attractive option for travelers.
“With new nonstop routes and increased airline capacities, EWN has become an essential hub for travelers to and from the area,” said Airport Director Andrew Shorter. “Our ongoing improvements and the increased service by our two airlines have contributed to this surge in demand, and we look forward to growing and continuing this momentum into the future.”
As the summer of 2024 draws to a close, Coastal Carolina Regional Airport looks forward to building on this success, with continued investment in infrastructure and marketing to maintain Eastern North Carolina’s appeal as a top travel destination.
