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St. Pete-Clearwater Airport Traffic Plunges 75%

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By TED JACKOVICS

tjackovics@tampatrib.com

Published: October 9, 2008

CLEARWATER - Passenger traffic at St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport fell 75 percent, to 9,220, in September, officials said Wednesday.

The decline is largely attributed to USA3000 Airlines, which discontinued service at the Pinellas County airport in August because of excessive fuel costs.

Tampa International Airport previously reported a decline in departing passengers of 9.3 percent, or 703,883, in August. Officials cited the poor economy and a reduction in flights by airlines seeking to save fuel costs. The airport generally serves as many inbound as outbound passengers each month.

Orlando International Airport reported a 6.4 percent decline, to 1.5 million, in departing passengers in August. Domestic travel was off 7.9 percent, to 1.4 million, but the favorable currency exchange for overseas residents has bolstered international travel.

Ted Jackovics

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