TEXAS — Airports across the state are gearing up for what could be the busiest Thanksgiving travel season in 15 years.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) estimated that more than 52,000 flights took off on Tuesday across the U.S.
The FAA also lifted the nationwide flight restrictions put in place during the longest government shutdown in history, and airlines are returning to full schedules. That means fewer delays and cancellations for Texas travelers.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport spokesperson Jacquelyn Eckman says they are prepared for this year’s rush.
“Last year, TSA [Transportation Security Administration] processed about 370,000 people over the span of 12 days. This year, we expect it to be no different, if not more. And we expect to see multiple days of more than 35,000 passengers.”
Dave Fitz with Texas TSA explains how this week comes from months of training.
“This is kind of our Super Bowl. We prepare for this. We train. But it’s no different than every other day,” Fitz said.
Recent weather across parts of Texas this week has had some fliers worried. On Monday afternoon, there were a few ground stops issued at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field. Officials say severe weather and a communications equipment outage prompted the stop, but it has since been lifted.