Arkansas
Northwest Arkansas National Airport surpasses 1 million passengers for first time in 2024 | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
HIGHFILL — Northwest Arkansas National Airport surpassed the 1 million mark for passengers flying out of the airport for the first time in 2024 making it the busiest year in the airport’s history.
The airport recorded 1,147,947 enplanements in 2024, according to airport staff.
“Surpassing the 1 million enplanement mark is a significant achievement for XNA and Northwest Arkansas,” said Aaron Burkes, airport CEO. “It reflects the incredible growth of our region and the rising demand for air travel. We’re committed to providing a smooth and convenient travel experience for our passengers.”
In 2023, Northwest Arkansas National set its previous record with 991,489 passengers. The 2024 total is a 16% increase over that record. The record prior to 2023 was set before the pandemic, in 2019, and totaled 922,533. The 2024 passenger total increased 25% over the 2019 record.
The airport’s record-breaking year was driven by Northwest Arkansas’ rapid growth and a surge in air travel demand, according to a news release from the airport.
Northwest Arkansas National is the primary commercial airport for Northwest Arkansas, offering 26 nonstop destinations through six airlines.
The airport continues to expand its connectivity with several new nonstop destinations announced for late 2024 and early 2025, according to the release.
Delta Airlines launched service to Detroit in November and will add flights to Salt Lake City in February.
American Airlines launched service to Philadelphia in December.
Allegiant Air will add flights to Gulf Shores, Ala., in May.
LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — A bee swarm attack in Texas sent three people, including a firefighter, to the hospital this week, while Arkansas medical experts said most bee stings are not dangerous but can become life-threatening in certain cases.
Authorities in San Antonio said the three victims were hospitalized after being swarmed and stung by aggressive bees. Officials have not released details on what triggered the attack or the species involved.
Doctors in Arkansas said the biggest risk from a bee sting is not the sting itself, but a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis.
“The concern when you have a bee sting is if you develop a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis,” said Dr. Garrett Lewis, chief medical officer at St. Vincent Infirmary.
Lewis said warning signs include throat swelling, difficulty breathing and feeling faint, which require immediate medical attention.
“If you’re experiencing any throat swelling or severe shortness of breath, you need to seek medical care immediately,” Lewis said.
He added that people who are stung multiple times may also be at risk even without a known allergy, because each sting introduces additional venom into the body.
In the event of a swarm, Lewis said the priority should be escaping the area as quickly as possible and removing any stingers once safe.
“Seek water, seek indoor,” Lewis said. “Once you’re away from the swarm, you want to make sure that you are removing any stingers that might still be in your skin.”
Lewis also said symptoms such as dizziness, nausea and widespread hives can indicate a serious reaction.
While the Texas incident resulted in hospitalizations, a recent swarm outside a Little Rock business ended without injuries after bees briefly gathered on a tree limb before being safely removed by a beekeeper.
Lewis said the best prevention is awareness of surroundings and understanding when medical care is needed after a sting.
CORNING, Ark. (KATV) — Regulatory Enforcement Agents with the Department of Finance and Administration, along with local police, seized a significant amount of illegal THC products from Pacific Green in Corning on Tuesday.
According to the DFA, more than a dozen agents joined the City of Corning Police in the day-long operation that resulted in two arrests.
DFA agents seized more than 25 pounds of illegal products consisting of flower, vapes, and edibles.
Owner Ben Bennett and employee Sharia Shipman were arrested and both charged with the following:
- Delivery of a Schedule VI controlled substance (Class D Felony)
- Possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with the purpose to deliver (Class B Felony)
- Controlled substances – Offenses relating to records, maintaining premises (Class C Felony)
- Possession of drug paraphernalia (Class D Felony)
- Unauthorized use of another person’s property to facilitate certain crimes (Class C Felony)
Bennett’s bond was set at $150,000, while Shipman’s bond was set at $100,000.
“In addition to selling illegal products, investigators confirmed violations involving underage access at this location,” said David Potter, Director of the Regulatory Enforcement Division. “This retailer, which was located within 1,000 feet of a school, presented significant public health and safety concerns. We are proud to partner with the Corning Police Department in addressing these violations. We seized a substantial quantity of illegal products, including flower, vapes, edibles, and other items, during the operation. We appreciate the cooperation of local law enforcement and information received from the community that led to yesterday’s operation and stopped this blatant disregard of the law.”
Note: All suspects accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.
The Department of Finance and Administration said Arkansans can use Apple Wallet to present their license or ID in person, online and in apps at select organizations, including at more than 250 Transportation Security
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