For the first time in 12 months, passenger traffic at Lehigh Valley International Airport is marching upward as the vaccination rollout and rescinding of COVID-19 travel restrictions has positively impacted the aviation industry.

The airport reported 46,596 passengers used ABE in March 2021 - a 4.7 percent increase from March 2020.

“There’s still a long way to go. As more people are vaccinated and the summer vacation season arrives, the airport remains optimistic that pent-up demand for travel could result in busy months ahead as we’re seeing across the country at other TSA checkpoints,” said Thomas R. Stoudt, executive director, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority.

By the numbers, United posted a total increase of 27.3%, American was up 6.9%, Delta jumped 3.2%, and Allegiant remained flat at -0.3%.

“Over the next couple of months, all carriers at ABE will be flying their scheduled routes with the amount of available seats approaching 2019 levels. Recently, the very popular seasonal service to Myrtle Beach has returned, and Delta added a third daily flight to Atlanta. American and United have fully restored their Chicago service,” Stoudt said.

A reported 17,326,261 pounds of air cargo were processed through Lehigh Valley International Airport in March - a slight decrease of 15.55% from March 2020.