Albany International Airport is gearing up for one of its busiest travel days of the year as Thanksgiving approaches. Officials expect over 10,000 travelers to depart from the airport on Tuesday (November 25) and Wednesday (November 26), with a similar number arriving in the Capital Region. Travelers are advised to arrive at least two hours before their flight's scheduled departure, as recommended by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The airport is experiencing one of its busiest years on record, with projections to surpass 1.5 million enplanements in 2025. According to Albany Airport CEO Peter Stuto, the airport is excited to welcome travelers and ensure a safe and happy holiday as they connect with family and friends.

The TSA expects to screen over 17.8 million passengers nationwide between November 25 and December 2, making it one of the busiest Thanksgiving travel periods in recent years. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is preparing to manage more than 360,000 flights during this time, with Tuesday projected to be the single busiest day, exceeding 52,000 flights nationwide.

Travelers should be aware of ongoing construction at the airport, which is part of the main terminal expansion and Concourse A rehabilitation project. This may affect traffic patterns and curbside access, so planning ahead is crucial.

Weather conditions could also impact travel, with forecasts predicting rain in much of the eastern U.S. and potential snow in parts of Michigan, Ohio, and the Buffalo, New York, corridor. Experts advise checking for TSA-restricted items in luggage to expedite security checks and considering packing gifts unwrapped to avoid delays.

Travelers are reminded to ensure they have a REAL ID or another accepted form of identification for domestic flights. For more updates, follow Albany International Airport on social media.

Elvis Duran