The Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) reported a 49% decrease in passenger traffic for the month of March, according to a Wednesday statement.

Officials said a total of 88,296 passengers passed through the airport in March 2020, compared to the 172,971 passengers in March 2019. They added that this is similar to airports across the country. "a decrease of 49% compared to March 2019, and similar to airports across the country."

Total passenger traffic includes enplanements and deplanements, officials noted.

The number of people arriving on flights, or deplanements, totaled 43,332 in 2020 compared to 83,319 in 2019, according to the statement.

“March passenger levels were on course to break an all-time record until the COVID-19 outbreak, which brought air traffic to a standstill across the world,” said Scott Van Moppes, Director of Airports. “April passenger counts are expected to see a large decline as airlines have canceled the majority of service to and from Myrtle Beach. We anticipate the airport will see some flights return in May, while the airline industry begins its recovery from the current pandemic.”

Officials said detailed passenger statistics are located at flymyrtlebeach.com under “Facts and Figures."