Albany, NY (November 19, 2001) - - - Passenger traffic at Albany International Airport has rebounded in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D.C. Airport enplanements during October 2001 increased 36% over September to 118,484. Year-to-date, the Airport's total enplanements remained ahead of 2001 at 1,305,746 or 8.3% ahead of last year.

"October's significant growth in traffic is a solid indicator that passenger confidence in the country's air travel system is returning," said John C. Egan, CEO of the Albany County Airport Authority. "Passengers have been extremely understanding of the heightened level of security and the coming holiday travel season is expected to show a further growth and confidence in our airlines and the airline industry."

During September 2001, as a result of the 9-11 attack, the Airport's enplanements dropped 29.4% below September 2000. During October, total monthly enplanements were off 17.7% from the Airport Authority's budget expectations.

During October 2001, Air Canada, Commutair, Continental, Continental Connection and United/United Express all posted increases in their enplanements when compared to October of 2000. All other carriers at the Airport noted declines in traffic.

A significant portion of the Airport's remaining loss in enplanements can be attributed to the fact that Washington's National Airport remains closed to Albany traffic. US Airways had been operating three non-stop jet flights to National prior to September 11th. While Washington National has reopened to limited commercials flights, flights to and from Albany have not resumed. US Airways is awaiting FAA approval to resume direct flights to Washington National.

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