File photo.

1:10pm | Cheapflights.com has named Long Beach Airport as the most affordable airport in the United States.

The local airport beat out 100 other airports from across the nation to top the travel website’s 2011 Airport Affordability Index, according to information provided by City Hall spokesman Ed Kamlan.

The average air fare at Long Beach Airport during the month of June was $223. CheapFlights.com determined affordability based on the average airfare found by the travel site’s users during June 2011.

“Long Beach is a great way to experience all of what Southern California has to offer,” said Mayor Bob Foster in a statement. “Long Beach Airport is dedicated to providing travelers with a quick and convenient flight experience that exceeds expectations — without breaking the bank.”

Mario Rodriguez, airport director, had alluded to Long Beach Airports affordability during a recent ceremony held to celebrate the grand opening of the airport’s new parking structure, the first in a series of modernizations projects to be completed. He had said at that time that LGB was the cheapest in the state and among the top five cheapest in the country.

“We’re proud to be recognized as the most affordable airport in the country,” Rodriguez said Thursday in a statement. “Our careful attention to low cost allows passengers to travel more easily [to] reach their destinations.”

The airport offers nonstop flights to 17 different destinations throughout the United States.