Cincinnati Business Courier / Bill Cieslewicz / June 2, 2021As the number of Americans taking to the skies rebounds, travelers flying out of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport are in luck: The airport ranks among the most affordable based on average airfare, according to a new report.CVG ranks No. 13 among the 45 busiest airports in the U.S., with  average airfares of $266.05, [according to financial website FinanceBuzz](https://financebuzz.com/us-airport-cost-rankings). CVG ranks No. 43 in passenger volume.Topping the list is Mccarran International Airport in Las Vegas with average airfare of $209.95, followed by Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International  ($214.87) and Orlando International ($215.93).The most expensive airport is John F. Kennedy International in New York ($344.35), followed by San Francisco International Airport ($338.11) and Charlotte/Douglas International Airport ($335.27).Cleveland Hopkins International, with average fares of $256.63, ranks No. 8 and is Ohio’s most affordable airport.The nation's two busiest airports, Los Angeles (LAX) and Atlanta (ATL), fall in the middle of the pack at No. 28 and No. 32, respectively.The report looked at average domestic airfares on April 20, 2021, from the 45 busiest airports in the country using data published by the U.S. Department of Transportation.  The national average fell from $352.27 to $292.20 from 2019 to 2020, marking the lowest average airfare tracked by FinanceBuzz going back to 1995.To read the entire report including methodology, [click here](https://financebuzz.com/us-airport-cost-rankings)[FULL STORY HERE (subscription-based)](https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/06/02/cvg-ranks-among-most-affordable-us-airports.html?utm_source=mk&utm_medium=en&utm_campaign=ae&utm_content=ci&ana=e_ci_ae&j=90561831&t=Afternoon&mkt_tok=NjczLVVXWS0yMjkAAAF9bRac1WzUo5nUvzFxGV9wLVaAmiD94CGLI1UXPaOfvre41Isl1LQ3aI03fIbiwFNQpKXP6sgPjL8uuiCSJfTavByIMrEkhf4JPTNIDwrH3uC8fuL14w)

WXIX-TV 19 Fox / Lauren Minor / May 28, 2021HEBRON, Ky. (FOX19) - Officials at CVG predict that Memorial Day weekend will be one of the busiest of the year for travel since the pandemic.If you have flown over the last 15 months, you may have gotten used to fewer people in line at security or the terminal.Officials say ticketing and security lines may be longer than anticipated which is why they recommend you arrive two hours before your flight.The TSA is busiest between the hours of 5:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.Mindy Kershner with CVG says with construction on the Brent Spence Bridge, allow extra drive time.All employees and passengers at CVG and airports across the U.S. must wear masks while traveling through the airport and when flying.TSA first implemented this federal mask order in January. It was extended on May 12 through at least September 13.So far this year, CVG is serving about 55% of the passenger volumes they did in 2019. They expect the summer months to be at 70-80%. Airfares are at a 25-year low.Mindy says it’s best to visit [CVGairport.com](http://cvgairport.com/) if you have any questions.[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.fox19.com/2021/05/28/cvg-officials-give-tips-traveling-over-holiday-weekend/)

Cincinnati Business Courier / Chris Wetterich / June 1, 2021The number of passengers traveling from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport hit its highest level since the start of the pandemic in 2020, reaching 60% in April compared with the same month in 2019.“It’s the best rate of performance we’ve had coming out of the pandemic,” said [Bobby Spann](https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/search/results?q=Bobby%20Spann), CVG’s vice president for external affairs.In April 2021, 219,258 passengers boarded a plane at CVG compared with 365,420 in April 2019. In April 2020, only 19,784 people were enplaned.For 2021 to date, the number of passengers is down 48.2% compared with 2019, a little better than what was budgeted, Spann said.Delta carried the most passengers in April, with American coming in second and ultra-low cost carriers Allegiant and Frontier coming in third and fourth, respectively. Southwest was fifth, and United was sixth.United [is flying four new nonstop routes](https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/05/27/new-united-flights-launch-from-cvg-today.html) aimed at leisure travelers: Portland, Maine; Hilton Head Island, S.C.; Charleston, S.C.; and Pensacola, Fla.“Everybody’s looking for leisure revenue in the absence of corporate travel,” Spann said. “We identified some niche opportunities.”Of the routes, Hilton Head has sold the best, while Portland is No. 2.“Most of the carriers are seeing some very positive results,” Spann said.In April, U.S. air traffic was at 59% of 2019 levels, with CVG at 63%.During the week of May 9, ticket sales activity for CVG was at 82% of its 2019 levels, compared with 54% nationally. Larger markets lag mid-sized markets like CVG, Spann said.“We should expect the positive trend we’ve seen to continue,” he added. “Some of the bigger markets … haven’t rebounded at the same level as the medium and small markets have.”[](https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/06/01/cvg-passenger-count.html)[FULL STORY HERE (subscription-based)](https://www.bizjournals.com/cincinnati/news/2021/06/01/cvg-passenger-count.html)

Cincinnati Enquirer / Randy Tucker / May 26, 2021United Airlines on Thursday will launch the first of its previously announced flights to four new leisure destinations from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG).The first of the new nonstop flights is scheduled to depart CVG at 10:15 a.m. for Pensacola, Fla., according to a press release.United will follow up that flight with new service to Hilton Head, S.C., scheduled to take off from CVG at 1:37 p.m.On Friday, the airline will begin service from the local airport to Portland, Maine, at 8:35 a.m., and Charleston, S.C., at 2:30 p.m.   Each new flight will operate three days a week and complement United's existing year-round and seasonal service to the following cities: Chicago, Denver, Houston, Newark, N.J., and Washington.CVG is expecting a surge in leisure travel heading into the summer months and is already seeing daily passenger traffic between 75%-80% of pre-pandemic levels, [airport officials told The Enquirer.](https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2021/05/14/cvg-sun-country-adds-flights-minneapolis/5059565001/)[FULL STORY HERE](https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2021/05/26/pensacola-fla-just-one-four-new-destinations-united-cvg/7448105002/)

Cincinnati People / May 22, 2021You’ve watched everything on Netflix and Hulu and now Peacock is starting to look like a good idea. Your sock drawer couldn’t be any more organized. It’s time to get out of your house and get back on the road.“Airfares are at a 25-year low and new routes and carriers are starting at CVG so it is a good time to plan and book that trip,” says Mindy Kershner, CVG spokesperson.In just the past nine days, two new carriers, Sun Country Airlines and Alaska Airlines, have begun flying out of CVG. United is adding service to four new leisure destinations later this month, with Southwest, Allegiant, and VivaAerobus adding flights and destinations as well. “There is a gradual recovery in travel demand as vaccinations increase, most in the form of leisure travel,” says Kershner. “So far this year, we are serving 52% of 2019 passenger volumes and we expect the summer to be at 70-80%.”The choice isn’t when to go, it’s where.Sun Country Airlines, now offering nonstop service to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, operates a total of 93 routes across 69 airports in the United States, Mexico, Central America and Caribbean. Sun Country’s passenger experience includes low-cost airfares, free in-flight entertainment and reclining seats. Fittingly for an airline based in Minnesota, Sun Country prides itself on warm and friendly customer service. From the MSP hub, CVG travelers can take flight to Sun Country’s most recently added destinations, including Grand Cayman, Punta Gorda, Florida, and Turks and Caicos.Alaska Airlines now offers non-stop service to Seattle, with award-winning service, hundreds of free movies and TV shows available on personal devices, and free texting on most flights.Cincinnati is Alaska’s 95th nonstop destination from Seattle. From there, travelers can reach other West Coast destinations or Hawaii. But Seattle is also a gateway to Asia, through the oneworld global alliance with additional airline partners–guests can connect to nonstop flights to Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong and Singapore.VivaAerobus, Latin America’s lowest cost airline and one of the fastest growing carriers in the world, begins nonstop service to Los Cabos, Mexico on May 29. If you’re planning to visit one of your favorite vacation destinations, later this month United begins non-stop flights to Hilton Head Island, Pensacola, Charleston, and Portland, Maine. With the news that CVG’s average fare is at a 25-year low, and nearly 10 percent less than the national average, decided to fly rather than drive to a beach destination just got a lot easier.But if you’re looking for something a bit farther afield, see what the new carriers and expanded routes have to offer as you plan your next adventure.[Full Story Here](https://www.cincypeople.com/travel-blog/2021/5/21/up-in-the-air-1)

SEATTLE — As travelers take to the skies again, Alaska Airlines is ready to provide its guests with a brand-new destination: Cincinnati. Daily nonstop service between Seattle and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) starts today, May 20. The pandemic delayed the original start of service of Aug. 18, 2020.The new route connects two dynamic regions of the country, each with thriving technology and business centers. The service also makes it convenient for guests flying from Cincinnati – known as the “Queen City” or “Queen City of the West” – to connect to dozens of destinations across the West Coast from Alaska’s hub in Seattle.“For years we’ve heard from flyers and our corporate clients that they’d like Seattle’s hometown carrier to connect Cincinnati with the Puget Sound region,” said Brett Catlin, vice president of network and alliances at Alaska Airlines. “We couldn’t be more excited to rollout our newest Midwest destination adding the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region to the Alaska’s network while furthering our commitment to Seattle.”Cincinnati becomes Alaska’s 95th nonstop destination from Seattle. With CVG Airport located in Northern Kentucky, this is the first time Alaska will have regularly scheduled service to the Commonwealth of Kentucky._Flight times based on local times_“The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky community is excited to welcome Alaska Airlines and its strong West Coast presence to CVG,” said Candace McGraw, CEO of the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. “This new nonstop service from CVG to Seattle offers excellent schedule times and will enhance travel options for both business and leisure travelers in the tri-state region going to the Pacific Northwest, Hawaii and Alaska.”From Seattle, Alaska’s guests can continue their journeys to other West Coast destinations or the islands of Hawaii. Seattle is also a gateway to Asia. With Alaska’s recent membership in the oneworld global alliance, along with additional airline partners, guests can connect to nonstop flights to places such as Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong and Singapore. Flyers can earn and redeem miles with Alaska’s highly-acclaimed [Mileage Plan program](https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan) to as many as 1,000 destinations around the world.Guests will enjoy Alaska’s award-winning service in a three-class cabin that includes First Class and Premium Class; hundreds of free movies and TV shows available for viewing on personal devices; free texting on most flights; and Wi-Fi connectivity for purchase.About Alaska AirlinesAlaska Airlines and its regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States and to Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica. The airline emphasizes [Next-Level Care](https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3115143-1&h=3814974439&u=https%3A%2F%2Fnam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Furl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.alaskaair.com%252Fcontent%252Fadvisories%252Fcoronavirus%253FCID%253DVanity_%25257C%25257C2020_CV_AW%25257C%25257C-prodID%253AAwareness%2526lid%253DVanityURL_NLC%26data%3D04%257C01%257CRay.Lane%2540alaskaair.com%257Ce36d50bab4774442731108d8e4c98dd5%257C0f44c5d442b045c2bf55d0fea8430d33%257C0%257C0%257C637510901601578766%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C1000%26sdata%3DMzi9HctDx3E3kpV6qyG6mPxpxVHd0mKFJsZR19dGeRs%253D%26reserved%3D0&a=Next-Level+Care) for its guests, along with providing low fares, award-winning customer service and sustainability efforts. On March 31, 2021, Alaska became the 14th member of oneworld. With the global alliance and Alaska Airlines' additional partners, guests can travel to more than 1,000 destinations on more than 20 airlines while earning and redeeming miles on flights to locations around the world. Learn more about Alaska at [newsroom.alaskaair.com](https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3115143-1&h=2781489653&u=https%3A%2F%2Fnam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Furl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fc212.net%252Fc%252Flink%252F%253Ft%253D0%2526l%253Den%2526o%253D2818446-1%2526h%253D780828046%2526u%253Dhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fc212.net%25252Fc%25252Flink%25252F%25253Ft%25253D0%252526l%25253Den%252526o%25253D2806006-1%252526h%25253D122572567%252526u%25253Dhttps%2525253A%2525252F%2525252Fnewsroom.alaskaair.com%2525252Findex.php%252526a%25253Dnewsroom.alaskaair.com%2526a%253Dnewsroom.alaskaair.com%26data%3D04%257C01%257CRay.Lane%2540alaskaair.com%257Ce36d50bab4774442731108d8e4c98dd5%257C0f44c5d442b045c2bf55d0fea8430d33%257C0%257C0%257C637510901601578766%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C1000%26sdata%3D%252FoEXF2v%252FJoI1ZMe5GIJU1thYYihZYrpirzgTxRheFp0%253D%26reserved%3D0&a=newsroom.alaskaair.com) and [blog.alaskaair.com](https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3115143-1&h=726494570&u=https%3A%2F%2Fnam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com%2F%3Furl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fc212.net%252Fc%252Flink%252F%253Ft%253D0%2526l%253Den%2526o%253D2818446-1%2526h%253D4227292578%2526u%253Dhttps%25253A%25252F%25252Fc212.net%25252Fc%25252Flink%25252F%25253Ft%25253D0%252526l%25253Den%252526o%25253D2806006-1%252526h%25253D3872744446%252526u%25253Dhttps%2525253A%2525252F%2525252Fblog.alaskaair.com%2525252F%252526a%25253Dblog.alaskaair.com%2526a%253Dblog.alaskaair.com%26data%3D04%257C01%257CRay.Lane%2540alaskaair.com%257Ce36d50bab4774442731108d8e4c98dd5%257C0f44c5d442b045c2bf55d0fea8430d33%257C0%257C0%257C637510901601588724%257CUnknown%257CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%253D%257C1000%26sdata%3DHhGNThdOfzpkJ9INwM%252BENULXfVwN8uKZpFWkPiNkmmk%253D%26reserved%3D0&a=blog.alaskaair.com). Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK). Contact:  Media Relations(206) 304-0008[newsroom@alaskaair.com](mailto:newsroom@alaskaair.com)

CINCINNATI. May 14, 2021 – [Sun Country Airlines](http://www.suncountry.com/) [(NASDAQ: SNCY)](https://ir.suncountry.com/) today began new, nonstop service between Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) and Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG). The new service will operate twice weekly on Fridays and Sundays.A press event will be held at CVG today beginning at 12 p.m. ET to commemorate the inaugural flights. Sun Country and CVG representatives will be available for interviews.“We know that so many people are excited to start traveling again, and we’re happy to be able to offer them the opportunity to travel the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region with us,” said Sun Country Airlines Chief Revenue Officer Grant Whitney. “We’re sure the community surrounding CVG will appreciate our brand of convenient, affordable travel and onboard amenities such as free streaming in-flight entertainment and reclining seats.”Sun Country Airlines operates a total of 93 routes across 69 airports in the United States, Mexico, Central America and Caribbean.“We’re thrilled to welcome Sun Country as the newest airline to serve CVG,” said Candace McGraw, Chief Executive Officer, CVG. “Sun Country’s low-cost, nonstop service to Minneapolis paired with its cargo partnership offers strong alignment with CVG and will benefit both the local traveler and our regional economy.”Sun Country’s customer experience includes free in-flight entertainment, a new mobile-friendly website with more self-service tools, and new interiors on each aircraft. Sun Country provides safe, reliable, hassle-free flights at affordable prices with warm and friendly service. The airline’s mission is to connect guests to their favorite people and places, to create lifelong memories and transformative experiences.About Sun CountrySun Country Airlines is a new breed of hybrid low-cost air carrier that dynamically deploys shared resources across our synergistic scheduled service, charter and cargo businesses. Based in Minnesota, we focus on serving leisure and visiting friends and relatives ("VFR") passengers and charter customers and providing cargo CMI services, with flights throughout the United States and to destinations in Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.Media ContactSun Country Airlines651-900-8400mediarelations@suncountry.comAbout CVG AirportThe Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) has been serving passengers since 1947. CVG welcomed more than 9.1 million passengers in 2019, serving a record number of local passengers. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, CVG still offers the most nonstop destinations and the lowest average airfares in the region. As the 7th largest cargo airport in North America and home to the Amazon Air Hub and DHL Express Global Superhub, CVG is diversified in both passenger and cargo operations. With an annual impact of $6.8 billion on the local economy, the airport drives regional growth and remains a leader in innovation. Learn more about CVG and its response to COVID-19 at [CVGairport.com/FlyHealthy](https://www.cvgairport.com/flight/tips/flyhealthy).Media Contact:Mindy Kershner[mkershner@cvgaiport.com](mailto:mkershner@cvgaiport.com)859-206-1057

Local 12-WKRC TV / Brad Underwood / May 10, 2021CINCINNATI (WKRC) - The path out of the pandemic is becoming clearer at airports around the country. Right now, air travel is the busiest it's been since the pandemic began more than a year ago.Leisure travel is coming back much more quickly than expected in part because half the country's adults have at least one COVID vaccination shot."For the year, we will see about 55 to 60% of the volume that we saw in 2019. Specifically for the summer months, we are looking at about 70 or 80%. We are seeing a pickup. We know summer travel will be busy," said Mindy Kershner with CVG.On a national level, the numbers are similar. A look at passengers on May 9 over the years has the numbers breaking down like this: In 2019, there were 2.4 million passengers. In 2020, it was just 200,000. And in 2021, there were 1.7 million passengers."We have two new airlines and seven new routes, some brand new routes starting, so airlines are trying new things,” said Kershner.And there are also the new ads from Alaska Airlines where flight attendants sing a song about disinfecting services and air filters.The big question is what will business travel look like moving forward? [To find out, CVG is partnering with the UC Economics Center to survey business travelers.](https://www.research.net/r/GreaterCincinnatiTravel "https://www.research.net/r/GreaterCincinnatiTravel")"We’re asking people whether or not they’ve traveled for business or pleasure in the last year or two, as wells as what their intention is moving forward,” said Christopher Nicak, the director of research at the UC Economics Center.The survey is roughly 30 questions and you can remain anonymous. A previous nationwide survey by insurance company Chubb indicates roughly 54% of business travelers are OK with domestic air travel.Nicak says this study will reveal higher numbers and provide a look into the future.“I think having some better information locally in the Greater Cincinnati area will help business leaders make better decisions moving forward on when to plan events, conferences, people return to work full-time or stay in a hybrid schedule,” said Nicak.[FULL STORY AND VIDEO HERE](https://local12.com/news/local/airports-seeing-more-travelers-as-vaccination-rates-increase-cincinnati)

WXIX-TV 19 / Lauren Artino / May 6, 2021CINCINNATI (FOX19) -Crews at The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, CVG, are continuing to keep passengers safe, especially before the summer, as they see an increase in travel.The airport spokesperson Mindy Kershner says that passengers can see a few new changes such as a [cleaning robot](https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fox19.com%2F2020%2F05%2F19%2Fmeet-robot-helping-keep-cvg-clean-passengers-return%2F&data=04%7C01%7Csdeatherage%40cvgairport.com%7C2b3b42d83a864ffadf4708d914a94343%7C6a1858161bcc4c24b4487abfacd1c666%7C0%7C0%7C637563539498649328%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=r%2FGmbL%2FFlWPW7r3QMlU6zWWZSHpCHdwXAAjJnFVawHY%3D&reserved=0) and touchless technology.Kershner says that the circulated airflow on the planes is actually safe and they use filters, including a HEPA filter to help with circulation.“_It’s what’s used in operating rooms. It’s a high-efficient filter used within the circulation system. So, the air is recirculated every two minutes through the filter, and there’s fresh air being supplied as well. The direction of the airflow in an aircraft is from top to bottom, and not along the length of the aircraft,_” Kershner said.In addition that, CVG offers [rapid COVID-19 testing](https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fox19.com%2F2021%2F02%2F10%2Fcvg-offers-rapid-covid-testing%2F&data=04%7C01%7Csdeatherage%40cvgairport.com%7C2b3b42d83a864ffadf4708d914a94343%7C6a1858161bcc4c24b4487abfacd1c666%7C0%7C0%7C637563539498659292%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=8040c%2FPyGtoeo92cPFHlR3YRX46KBY8hxxuuwanoXBI%3D&reserved=0) for passengers who choose to take a test.Kershner says that more people are booking flights after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. They are expecting to see a 70% to 80% increase in travel.[FULL STORY AND VIDEO HERE](https://www.fox19.com/2021/05/06/crews-cvg-continue-keep-passengers-safe-despite-increase-travel/)