Ho-hum. Another record-breaking year for passenger traffic at Austin Bergstrom International Airport. The bustling airport set its fourth consecutive yearly record for passenger traffic, with more than 10.7 million people traveling through in 2014. That’s up 7 percent — about 700,000 passengers — over 2013. ABIA officials say airline traffic is keeping pace with the overall growth in Austin as well as with the large crowds drawn by events such as South by Southwest, the Austin City Limits festival and the Formula 1 race. In addition, several new direct routes, including a 787 Dreamliner nonstop to London Heathrow, have helped bump up the number of passengers. Many of those passengers opened their wallets while passing through ABIA. Airport officials said that in 2014, travelers chowed down on more than 62 tons of brisket (5,200 pounds more than 2013) and 622,310 breakfast tacos (up 7.5 percent), watched 1,158 live music performances and bought 36,196 “Keep Austin Weird” T-shirts to take home to the kids.
Mark Richardson is a multimedia journalist, editor and writer who has worked in digital, print and broadcast media for three decades. He is a nationally recognized editor and reporter who has covered government,... More by Mark Richardson