PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Presque Isle International Airport is expecting to see a substantial increase in travelers this summer and is planning to adapt the flight schedule to meet that demand.
Starting in June, the airport will see 12 departures and 12 arrivals per week as opposed to the current schedule of 10 departures and 10 arrivals per week.
Currently, flights depart Presque Isle for Newark International Airport at 6:30 a.m. and arrive back at 9 p.m. Flights depart for Washington Dulles International Airport at 2:15 p.m. and return to Presque Isle around 1:30 p.m.
Though airport director Scott Wardwell said that flight data for March and April is not available at this time, the past two weeks have marked a notable increase in passengers compared to early 2021. Many people are taking advantage of the school spring break and the state’s easing of restrictions on travel and quarantines, he said.
“All of our flights have been full starting a week ago,” Wardwell said. “Those folks will be returning this weekend and Monday, and all of those flights will be full.”
As long as COVID-19 cases in Maine and other states remain stable or decrease, Wardwell predicts that Presque Isle will see a much busier summer tourist season at its airport.
“Things are definitely on a more positive note now,” Wardwell said. “Most people can travel without having to quarantine in Maine when they get here. That’s going to be huge for us.”
