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» Traffic Updates & Statistics
 Detailed Summary
August 2008 proved to be an impressive month at HAS (Houston Airport System), with increases recorded in total passenger numbers for both George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).
When combining the ’08 total passenger count for both IAH and HOU, an increase of 1.2 percent was recorded over last year’s 2007 totals (January - August). IAH handled almost 30 million passengers during that span, while HOU recorded more than 6 million for the same time period.
The increase was especially strong with international traffic at IAH.
In that category, inbound and outbound passengers combined rose by 6 percent over the same period in 2007.
August alone brought more than 772,000 international passengers, while the year-to-date number stands at 5,741,031. Much of the increase can be attributed to increased flight activity in the Central and South American regions, as well as Europe. An overall increase of 12 percent was recorded in all three of the above-mentioned regions.
Continental Airlines certainly made a large contribution in regards to that increase. The Houston-based airline recorded monthly gains in all five recorded regions (Mexico, Europe, Central/South America, Canada and Asia/Africa/Australia).
This increase in international traffic was also assisted by the arrival of Emirates Airlines in December of 2007. That’s when the airline launched nonstop service between Houston and Dubai. Since that time, the airline has built a strong foundation in Houston, carrying tens of thousands of passengers in its first year in operation. Emirates is the eighth-largest airline in the world in terms of international passengers carried.
August 2008 was also a good month for Frontier Airlines. The Denver-based carrier recorded a 13% increase over its August number from 2007, handling almost 2,500 more passenger than the same month last year.
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The Houston Airport System served a record 52 million passengers in 2007. It is the 4th-largest multi-airport system in the U.S. and the 6th-largest in the world. Bush Intercontinental is the nation's 8th-busiest airport. According to J.D. Powers & Associates, William P. Hobby Airport is among the top-performing airports in terms of customer satisfaction in the United States. HAS annually contributes over $24 billion in positive economic impact to the Greater Houston region. For more information watch Houston Airports Today every Saturday at 9:30 am on KTBU Channel 55 or visit www.fly2houston.com. | 
