FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – January 9, 2008, New Orleans – The BCS Championship Game resulted in a record post-Katrina day at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

The bowl games have always created a surge in travel. This year, back to back bowl games with increased air service by scheduled carriers and charter flights resulted in 2 record days in a one week period.

Reports from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on the total number of people who were processed through security after the Sugar Bowl and the BCS Championship Game resulted in 2 record days. On a normal Sunday prior to Katrina, the Airport saw approximately 17,500 passengers depart the city.

#1 January 8, 2008 BCS Game 19,188

#2 January 2, 2008 Sugar Bowl 17,929

#3 May 7, 2007 Jazz Fest (2^nd weekend) 15,868

#4 November 13, 2007 Ophthalmologists 15,823

#5 July 8, 2007 Essence 15,767

#6 July 9, 2007 Essence 15,472

#7 November 30, 2007 UK Charters 15,363

#8 November 25, 2007 Thanksgiving Sunday 15,328

#9 March 27, 2007 Cardiologist 14,996

#10 November 13, 2006 Realtors 14,695

TSA reported one brief period during the day when the wait time for one of the checkpoints exceeded 20 minutes. The average wait time throughout the day was 4 minutes. The Airport attributes the low wait times to the fact that passengers were asked to arrive early and did so. The early arrivals spread the loads more evenly throughout the day as passenger arrivals were staggered.

Sean Hunter, Director of Aviation stated, “This was a great way to kick off the New Year. Both peak days were similar to busy pre-storm travel days, for the first time, crowds at the Airport really felt back to normal, and that’s a very good feeling. It’s a wonderful kickoff to Mardi Gras and the upcoming NBA All-Star Game.”

Currently, Armstrong International has service to 37 destinations on 132 daily flight departures with 15,440 seats. Several increases in air service are anticipated this spring.

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For further information, contact Michelle C. Wilcut, Public Relations Manager, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, at 504-464-3547 or 504-628-0250 (cell).