Thanksgiving Travel Surge Begins at Buffalo Niagara International Airport

The Thanksgiving travel season is underway, with the potential for one of the busiest periods in years, according to estimates from the American Automobile Association (AAA). More than 81 million individuals are anticipated to travel at least 50 miles from home during this holiday, with approximately 73 million expected to drive.

As the travel surge begins, Buffalo Niagara International Airport is experiencing a relatively calm start. On Saturday evening, the airport had not yet seen the expected influx of passengers typically associated with the holiday travel rush.

Passengers at the airport reported smooth experiences. Ethan Mcnish-Heider, a student at Niagara University returning home for the holiday, remarked, “It seems pretty normal to like when I flew home for Christmas. Nothing crazy going on, to be honest.” Departure boards indicated minimal delays, and security lines remained short, contributing to a relaxed atmosphere for travelers.

Another traveler, Simman Mangat, shared his initial concerns about the potential crowds. “I was worried that it was going to be busier, so I came, like, three hours ahead of time, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that it’s not that crazy and that not that busy,” he noted.

Despite the calm, some travelers expressed caution due to recent disruptions linked to the federal government shutdown. Carol Foster waited until Tuesday to purchase her ticket, fearing delays. “I was worried that I hope I get to fly and that I get to fly on time, because this is the busiest time of the year,” she said.

With the government now reopened and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) lifting previous restrictions, airlines have resumed normal operations. The FAA has highlighted that Tuesday, November 21, 2023, could become one of the busiest travel days in the past 15 years, as millions of passengers take to the skies for the holiday.

Travelers are reminded to stay informed about their flights and to arrive at airports early, given the expected increase in passenger volume. As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Buffalo Niagara International Airport is preparing for the anticipated surge in travel activity, aiming to facilitate smooth journeys for all.