Springfield-Branson National Airport reports 2014 was the fourth busiest year in its 69-year history. The total passenger count for the year was 846,324,  a 12% increase in passengers compared to the year before.

Every month of 2014 showed strong growth with July and September leading the way: July passenger numbers were up 13.5%. September registered growth of 16.3%.

The success of 2014 comes after several years of gloomy news in the airline and airport industries.

During the recession, and in its aftermath, airlines made big cuts at airports across the country and SGF was no exception. In 2011 alone, airlines cut the supply of seats at SGF by 21.5%. Since then, supply has been flat.

In 2014 the airlines increased the number of available seats at SGF by 5.3%. Nationwide, airlines added 1.8%.

The airlines are bringing even more seats to Springfield in 2015. Advance schedules show a 4.5% increase for the first half of the year. Nationwide, the supply of seats will be up 1.8%.

Other airport metrics improved in 2014: the amount of aviation fuel pumped at the airport grew by 7.6%. It’s the first fuel increase since 2011.

Additionally, the number of aircrafts fueled grew by 4.2%. That’s the first increase since 2006.

Four airlines serve Springfield: Allegiant, American, Delta, and United. They provide service to ten non-stop destinations: Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Orlando, and Ft. Myers.