The cost of flying jumped in the first quarter, both at Port Columbus and nationally.

David Whitaker, vice president of business development for Port Columbus, said the year-over-year fare increases "reflect increased demand," while the number of seats and flights available remain "at a reduced level."

"That gives airlines an environment where fare increases are holding."

Average domestic airfares increased 5.1 percent at Port Columbus in the first quarter compared with the same period last year, data from the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics showed yesterday. The increase was slightly bigger than the national average of 4.7 percent.

Port Columbus' average fare was $299.05, still below the national average of $328.12. Ranking the top 100 airports by average airfares, Columbus was 70th highest.

The largest percentage increases in the first quarter were reported at airports in Charleston, S.C., and Detroit, while the largest drops were in Milwaukee and Cincinnati.

The decline in Cincinnati reflects a continuing pullback by Delta Air Lines, which traditionally has dominated service at the airport, keeping fares there among the highest in the nation.