Duluth International Airport passenger traffic recorded the second busiest year ever during 2012, the Airport Authority announced Thursday.

The passenger count reached 322,208, a nine percent increase versus 2011. Only one other year, 2007, exhibited a higher count. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the count was almost evenly split between arrivals and departures. Minneapolis-St. Paul is the most popular destination, followed by Chicago, Detroit, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Sanford, Florida.

"These number prove demand for flights in and out of Duluth is increasing," said Tom Werner, airport authority executive director. "We're happy that the travelers from our region have embraced our current air service options."

He predicted strong first quarter passenger levels, noting that United is adding a third daily flight to Chicago and Allegiant is offering 37 flights.

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