Memphis International Airport (MEM) continues to experience steady passenger growth, according to 3rd quarter 2016 statistics released by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The 3rd quarter 2016 data shows an average of 5,424 passengers per day each way at MEM compared to 5,259 in the 3rd quarter of 2015. This represents a three percent increase, or 165 passengers per day each way. Final 2016 statistics for MEM could approach or exceed 2 million in passenger enplanements.
These numbers show that origin and destination (O&D) traffic at MEM continues to exceed O&D numbers from the passenger transfer-hub era. In 3rd quarter 2010, MEM averaged just over 5,000 O&D passengers per day each way.
Additional flights and added competition have helped spur the passenger growth at MEM, as well as average airfares that have experienced year-over-year decreases for 16 consecutive quarters. In addition, many airlines serving MEM have increased capacity to existing routes by adding larger aircraft.

“Memphis International Airport continues to work hard in its transition from a hub to an origin and destination airport,” said Pace Cooper, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority. “It’s not an overnight process, but this kind of passenger growth shows that more people are flying to and from Memphis, and we will continue our relentless pursuit of frequent and affordable air service.