By JIM BUTLER

Commercial air passenger count at Alexandria International almost certainly will surpass 300,000 this year.

A report to the England Authority commissioners at their September meeting showed growth of about 12 percent year over year through mid-summer.

Last year, according to the FAA, the total was 270,100. In March alone this year AEX had almost 18,400, the highest monthly count since COVID’s disruptions, and had about 156,000 for 2026 heading into the summer travel season.

Since March the airport has added United Airlines to its passenger options, giving it direct service to and from three hubs – Houston, Dallas and Atlanta.

Also on the aviation side, commissioners signed off on about $4.3 million in grant-funded improvements:

• Runway 18 obstacle removals (in area of former Rapides Golf Course) and installation of Instrument Approach aids and runway visual guidance system;

• South ramp apron extension.

Regarding what could be labeled traditional economic development, the panel learned UCore is soon to get its Clean Air permit and begin construction on its $75 million rare earth separation facility.

It is in process of recruiting and hiring at some levels. The plant is targeted for full production in 2028.

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