Seattle Airport Sets 14th Straight Record

For the 14th straight year, a record number of passengers flew in and out of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Last year, 24,324,596 passengers traveled through the airport, a 7 percent boost over 1995, the Port of Seattle said Tuesday.

The increase is attributed, in part, to a strong economy and lower fares in 1996, the port said.

In addition to passenger traffic, the airport also handled more than $28 billion in cargo last year.

The airport is about to begin a $1.5 billion project, adding a third runway as well as expanding the terminal and maintenance areas.