Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport announced today that passenger traffic in September was 3.24 percent higher than a year earlier, increasing from 7,253,610 passengers in 2010 to 7,488,365 passengers in 2011. International passengers increased by 7 percent — from 689,502 to 737,747.

Total passenger traffic for January through September 2011 increased by 3.96 percent over the same period last year — from 67,001,154 to 69,655,995.

“Our passenger traffic continues to grow, despite the difficult economic environment we are all experiencing,” Aviation General Manager Louis Miller said. “We anticipate continued growth during the remainder of 2011 as we approach the traditionally busy holiday season.”

Aircraft operations (landings and takeoffs) decreased by 3.45 percent during September and by 2.82 percent for the year to date — from 717,015 to 696,761 aircraft operations. Airlines’ reduced use of smaller regional aircraft accounted for most of this decrease. International operations increased by 12.71 percent during September and by 11.56 percent for the year to date.

Total air cargo for September decreased by 0.33 percent but is up by 1.87 percent for the year to date — from 484,879 to 493,931 metric tons. International air cargo increased by 0.69 percent during September and by 0.66 percent for the year to date.

To view the full traffic report, go tohttp://www.atlanta-airport.com/Airport/ATL/operation_statistics.aspx.