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The number of passengers boarding at the Central Nebraska Regional Airport last month was down 21 percent compared to January 2007.
"I don't think that's a real big surprise, considering the increase in airfares," said Mike Olson, airport executive director.
Last month, the airport's commercial carrier, Mesa Airlines, announced it had raised fares $100 each way for flights to Omaha and Kansas City, Mo. Ticket prices are now $338 for a round-trip flight to Omaha and $358 to Kansas City.
The boarding numbers were announced at Wednesday's meeting of the Hall County Airport Authority.
While in January last year the airport boarded 722 passengers on revenue, non-revenue and charter flights, last month it boarded 569.
In addition to the rise in airfares, poor weather and mechanical issues may have also contributed to the decline in passengers boarded, Olson said.
Total airport operations were down 9 percent last month. However, year-to-date fuel flowage was up as of December 2007.
Also discussed during the board meeting:
* The airport authority approved agreements to purchase three buildings from fixed base operator Trego/Dugan Aviation for $150,000. The sale is expected to close Feb. 29. Starting on March 1, Trego/Dugan will lease the buildings from the airport for $1,500 per month.
* The board also accepted a $430,500 bid for an expansion to the airport's maintenance facility and fire house. The bid was awarded to Tri Valley Builders of Grand Island.
* An amendment to Olson's employment contract has changed his salary to $88,000 per year. Olson was originally offered $78,000 when he took the executive director job in 2005.
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