For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the number of international travelers passing through Los Angeles International Airport topped 1 million in March -- while the total number of passengers topped 5 million for the month, airport data released Thursday shows.
The 1,062,786 international travelers who used LAX last month represent an increase of more than 206% over the total from March 2021, the airport announced. That jump was the most dramatic increase among the numbers released Thursday, but other March passenger totals showed robust increases as well, including: -- 5,205,974 total passengers, a 99.24% jump over March 2021, and -- 4,143,188 domestic passengers, up 82.81% over March 2021.
Compared to last month, the total passenger count increased by 27.5% -- including a 24.1% increase in domestic volume and a 53% jump in international passengers.
In addition, a total of 256,291 tons of air cargo was handled at LAX in March. That's up 1.8% compared to first quarter of last year.
"As the world reopens to air travel, LAX is welcoming back international airlines and nonstop service to destinations around the globe,'' Justin Erbacci, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports, said in a statement.
"With new service to Tokyo, Paris, Montreal and Frankfurt, and more on the horizon, we are connecting Los Angeles with new and relaunched destinations, and we are thrilled to see passenger demand increasing as we near the busy summer travel season.''