WORCESTER, Mass. - Three years post-pandemic, leadership at the Worcester Regional Airport says they're busy.

"By December of this past year, we exceeded the number of passengers that were flying in 2019," said airport director Andy Davis.

Davis said despite still being in a rebound phase, the airport has grown in passenger count over the last few months.

"We did come back with all three airlines, all five flights, and they are operating larger aircrafts," Davis said. "So right now, we actually have about 28% more seats than we had prior to the pandemic."

But with a checkered past of success, many still wonder what is the airport's overall goal. For advocate and enthusiast Bill Randell, it's not as clear as it should be.

"There's no marketing plan," Randell said. "There's no clear plan on how we're going to turn this into a successful airport. It seems to me the emphasis is on just being able to get airlines here so we have JetBlue, we have an American, we have a Delta, so we can say we have three legacy carriers."

Randell runs the blog "FlyORH," which takes a deep look at the city's airport. He describes Massport's purchase of the airport as a blessing, but said there's a lot of untapped potential.

"I don't see how you can look at the flights right now and say they want this airport to succeed right now," Randell said. "Really, I don't."

Randell specifically pointed out the 2 p.m. American Airlines flight to JFK.

Tim Murray, President and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, has a similar train of thought, saying the current schedule is a challenge for business travelers.

"You know, that morning connection, you could fly, literally be out of Worcester Airport at 6, 6:30 and be at JFK and you have all day to find those connections," Murray said. "The flights that American have are midday, so your options are limited."

Murray, who was lieutenant governor when Massport bought the airport, said there is a plan for the future. 

"I think there's a strategic imperative that Massport leadership recognized it makes sense to have another airport close by," Murray said. "Through that, we've seen now JetBlue, Delta and American all flying out of Worcester Regional Airport."

There's a hope more carriers touch down in Worcester soon. The airport said they're just waiting for the right fit.

"We have 1,300 acres of property on the airport," Davis said. "A great swath of it is developable and ready for more hangars, more corporate hangars, more maintenance repair facilities and just more general aviation support."