Stat du jour: HSV's big year

Huntsville International Airport announced Tuesday that it's reached an all-time annual record for passenger traffic, with 1,722,898 air travelers in 2025.

By the numbers: That's an increase of 5.3% over 2024, per HSV, reflecting "sustained demand for air service in the Tennessee Valley and continued growth across the region."

• It's a three-year pattern of growth, from 1.47 million in 2023 to 1.63 million in 2024.
• Even through the longest shutdown in U.S. history, the airport saw steady traffic, with 152,821 passengers in October, a 3.9% year-over-year increase, and 134,400 in November, a 3.9% decrease.

Driving the news: A lot's been happening at the airport, from Allegiant coming back with its Fort Lauderdale and Gulf Shores routes to new parking deck and restaurants.