MGM Optimistic as State of Alabama Extends Mask Order
(Montgomery, Alabama) – After signs of travel recovering with the reopening of states, some of the country’s larger airports are reporting declines in activity and slower-than-expected growth.
The lags can likely be attributed to the rising number of coronavirus cases throughout the United States.
Smaller markets covering regional routes, like Montgomery Regional Airport, are experiencing a faster rebound.
“While confidence has not yet returned for long flights and international travel, our month-over-month traffic has increased at MGM,” said Marshall J. Taggart Jr., Executive Airport Director. “The city of Montgomery now has state and local orders in place, firmly establishing the control of the spread of COVID-19 as a clear priority. We are hopeful that this will bolster travelers’ confidence to continue flying to and through our airport and region.”
MGM has worked to quickly communicate the statewide mask order and other safety enhancements in place at the airport, including the addition of signage and relocation of ground transportation to create a new pick-up area with ample space for social distancing.
Many of the long-standing benefits of flying smaller airports are even more attractive during the pandemic. Passengers are opting for smaller crowds, faster service times, and smaller facilities to decrease risks associated with the number of traveler interactions in large airports.
This trend has not gone unnoticed by airlines considering more regional routes to aid recovery. MGM’s director said it is proactively working to maximize the smaller-market demand with discussions of direct air service from Montgomery to Houston and Chicago with a new airline.
Montgomery Regional Airport offers non-stop flights to Atlanta, Georgia (ATL); Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT); and Dallas, Texas (DFW). MGM serves the region with four daily flights by American and Delta. For more information on the airport, visit flymgm.com.
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