PASSENGER TRAVEL AT TRI-CITIES REGIONAL AIRPORT IS UP. THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS AT THE TRI ROSE EIGHT PERCENT DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR COMPARED TO THIS TIME LAST YEAR. MELISSA THOMAS, DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, IS ATTRIBUTING THE INCREASE TO THE ADDITION OF LOW-FARE ALLEGIANT AIR SERVICE TO FLORIDA THAT BEGAN IN MAY OF LAST YEAR. SHE WENT ON TO SAY THAT HIGHER FUEL PRICES MAY INCREASE AIR FARES AND FEWER AVAILABLE SEATS WILL SLOW PASSENGER GROWTH.