The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) sees a steady increase in air travel at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) since the impact of COVID-19 in early April 2020. As at all airports around the U.S. and globally, the effects of COVID-19 have significantly impacted air travel and have altered air travel policies for airport and airline employees and passengers for the foreseeable future.
Quite naturally, JMAA has seen passenger numbers decrease from those of last year. More specifically, at this time last year, passenger boarding numbers were as many as 1,400 per day, whereas today, those numbers are in the 450-550 daily range.
The current enplanements represent a large increase from less than 100 passengers per day in April, down at least 96%. During that month, JAN flight frequencies were as low as four (4) daily flights a day, down 85%.
Since then, flights have increased by up to 200% with 11 or 12 daily flights (depending on day of the week). This month, JMAA reports 13 departing flights, which is the highest number of departing flights at JAN since COVID-19 began impacting air travel.
Remaining in compliance with CDC, federal, state and local health and safety mandates, JMAA has implemented measures to keep all passengers, customers, tenants, and employees safe during the COVID-19 era. Those measures include:
- Installation of hand sanitizers throughout JAN and Hawkins Field Airport (HKS);
- Health and safety signage and announcement reminders throughout airports and via social media to:
- wear face coverings
- wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water
- remain home and/or postpone travel when sick or experiencing flu-like symptoms
- Floor decals to illustrate practicing six feet of social distancing
- Complimentary face masks are available for passengers who do not have face coverings for travel
- Plexiglass shields at every airline ticket counter and car rental counters.
For specifics on health and safety measures taking place aboard aircraft, please contact the specific airline.
JMAA encourages passengers to monitor airlines and www.iFlyJackson.com or visit individual airlines online for any changes to flight status and/or health and safety guidelines.
About JMAA
The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) operates two airports: Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) and Hawkins Field Airport (HKS). JAN is the busiest airport in Mississippi, situated in the Central part of the state and serving the Capital region of Jackson with over 3,000 acres of property. JAN has service to several of the world’s busiest global hubs and is home to the Mississippi Air National Guard 172nd Airlift Wing. HKS is a general aviation airport and is home to the Mississippi Army National Guard 185th Aviation Brigade. The Authority provides service to over 1 million passengers per year.