Orlando International Airport announces increase in flights for holiday season

Thursday, November 12, 2020

With the tourism industry continuing to fight back in the wake of the corona virus pandemic, Orlando International Airport has announced an increase in flights for the holiday season.

Airport officials said that 31 flights were added this month and 36 more would be added for December.

“Travel has been increasing as travelers become more comfortable with safety protocols,” said Orange County Comptroller Phil Diamond.

Diamond spoke about the financial impact from decreases in travel, specifying drop in tourist revenue in September by 60% from 2019.

“That is the biggest year-over-year decrease in the history of the tourist development tax,” Diamond said.

While revenue is down from 2019, the $7 million in September tourist taxes marks an increase of 22% from August.

County officials said that the latest numbers are making them optimistic about the upcoming holiday season thereby boosting revenue.

Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said, “I see that as encouraging that perhaps it’s a couple million over the prior month. We’re moving in the right direction.”

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