Wichita Eisenhower National Airport’s average fares dropped 6% during the third quarter of 2016 compared to third quarter 2015. The 2016 average fare was $374.06 compared to $399.80 in 2015, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
The third quarter 2016 fare at ICT is 35% less than in 3rd quarter 2000, which was $577.73 and before low-fare airlines entered the Wichita market. Regionally, Wichita’s average fare is less than Oklahoma City and Tulsa, and more in line with the national average; Wichita’s average fare is higher than Kansas City, a market much larger than ICT.
| Airport | 3Q 2000 | 3Q 2015 | 3Q 2016 |
|---|
| Oklahoma City | $426.66 | $421.76 | $410.81 |
| Tulsa | $422.20 | $424.01 | $407.05 |
| Wichita | $577.73 | $399.80 | $374.06 |
| Kansas City | $382.07 | $362.56 | $345.35 |
| U.S. Average Fare | $461.35 | $370.74 | $344.86 |
Officials attribute the drop in average fares to the presence of discount carriers, especially Southwest Airlines.
“This is a perfect example of why Southwest Airlines is important to our market and to economic development,” Mayor Jeff Longwell said. “Affordable and accessible air service is vital to our business community and leisure travelers. They are key to our ability to attract companies to our region.”
Southwest began service to St. Louis and Phoenix in April 2016. With two daily flights through St. Louis, Southwest offers connections to popular markets such as New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington National, Baltimore, Atlanta, Orlando, Nashville, and other locations. Southwest’s two daily flights to the west – Las Vegas and Phoenix – connect to top markets, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, Orange County, and San Francisco among others.
