GARY, Ind. (AP): Gary/Chicago International Airport has seen an increase in air traffic through the first seven months of this year.

Airport Manager Delbert Brown told the airport authority board at a Monday meeting that traffic is up 33 percent as compared to the same point a year ago. The Munster Times reports the airport is on track to exceed the number of landings and takeoffs that took place all last year.

Brown says people are taking notice of the airport following positive publicity, including the opening of a $174 million runway expansion earlier this summer. Supporters said the expansion could provide an economic boost for the region.

AvPorts signed a deal to operate the airport for up to 30 years in January 2014.