Lehigh Valley International Airport is saw a slight increase in passenger traffic with 27,612 travelers using the airport in July as compared to 26,123 passengers in June, but the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a negative impact on air travel.

With many COVID-19 restrictions lifted, residents of the Greater Lehigh Valley are travelling again. The Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority reported that while passenger traffic remains drastically down from last year, it took a major jump in June over May’s numbers.

The Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority has been approved for an $820,958 state grant to move its TSA checkpoint to a new location between two existing airport buildings to create a more efficient passenger flow.

While traffic remains down drastically from this time last year, Lehigh Valley International Airport did see a slight increase in traffic in May over April. Still, airlines are making changes as a result of the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on travel.

Lehigh Valley International Airport will be receive $6.2 million in Federal Aviation Administration funding as part of the CARES Act, coronavirus relief legislation. It was one of 63 airports in the state to share in more than $239 million in funding.

The rapidly changing and spreading virus upended nearly 30 consecutive months of positive passenger traffic at Lehigh Valley International Airport and put a financial strain on the airport as it continues operating and providing services.

Allegiant Travel Co. cemented its presence in the valley with the opening of its $50 million aircraft base at Lehigh Valley International Airport on Wednesday, bringing new routes for air travelers and more than 60 new employees.

As passenger traffic increases at Lehigh Valley International Airport in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, the airport authority has a plan for infrastructure improvements to accommodate more people.

A legal case over a stormwater levy enacted in 2016 by West Chester borough, one of dozens of municipalities around Pennsylvania that have added the fees over the last few years to cope with stormwater runoff and comply with environmental regulations, has pitted it against West Chester University, one of the borough largest economic engines.

With the start of summer travel season around the bend, Lehigh Valley International Airport reported a nearly 30 percent increase in passenger traffic in April compared to the same month last year.