Have you ever wondered when your local airport was at its busiest? A fascinating visualization on Reddit reveals the peak passenger count and decade of major American airports’ peak traffic.
The graphic shows a mix of airports that peaked in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Some airports, like Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson, have consistently been among the busiest, while others, like Pittsburgh International, have seen a decline in traffic over the years.
## A Tale of Two Airports
What’s striking is the difference between airports that have adapted to changing travel trends and those that haven’t. For instance, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) peaked in the 80s, but has since seen a resurgence in traffic, likely due to its strategic location and investment in modern facilities. On the other hand, airports like St. Louis Lambert International Airport, which peaked in the 60s, have struggled to maintain traffic levels.
## The Impact of Deregulation
The peak traffic decades also reveal the impact of deregulation on the airline industry. The 1978 Airline Deregulation Act removed many government controls, leading to increased competition and lower fares. This, in turn, led to a surge in air travel, with many airports experiencing peak traffic in the 80s and 90s.
## A Lesson for Today
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, understanding the patterns of the past can inform decisions about airport development and resource allocation. By examining the peaks and troughs of airport traffic, we can better plan for the future of air travel.
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*Further reading: [Airline Deregulation Act of 1978](https://www.faa.gov/about/history/milestones/media/1978_Airline_Deregulation_Act.pdf)*