The number of passengers using Tri-Cities Regional Airport rose 8.0 percent during the first quarter of 2008 compared with the same quarter last year.

Particularly strong January and February numbers contributed significantly to the increase. Passenger numbers for March remained flat.

"The increase in passengers is due to the addition of low fare Allegiant Air service to Florida that began in May 2007," said Melissa Thomas, TCRA director of marketing and air service development. "However, with the rapidly rising cost of fuel, we anticipate that higher fares and fewer available seats will slow passenger growth."

Air cargo transiting the airport increased 36.9 percent for the quarter, and total landed weights increased 9.5 percent as compared with the same period last year.

The increased landed weights can be attributed to the larger, heavier aircraft operated by Allegiant Air and charter aircraft. Overall aircraft movements declined 12 percent for the period.