At Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport, ridership jumped 39 percent in April

An increase in flights resulted in a 39 percent jump in airline ridership for the month of April at the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport.

Alaska Airlines last month transported 25,585 passengers to and from the airport, compared to 18,393 in April a year ago, according to figures released Thursday by airport Manager Jon Stout.

The airport averaged nearly seven round-trip flights per day in April, compared to five a year earlier.

Even with the increased operations, the flights last month overall were 81 percent full, compared to 80 percent a year ago.

This month, the airport will gain a second carrier as Allegiant Air begins service from here to Las Vegas and the Phoenix area. That service begins May 19.

For the year to date, total flights have increased 27 percent and ridership has jumped 31 percent from a year ago.

In March, Alaska began flights from the airport to Orange County. It also offers service from here to San Diego, Los Angeles, Portland and Seattle.