Hancock International Airport in Syracuse is preparing for big crowds this week. Today will be the first day with at least 10,000 passengers moving through the airport.
According to airport officials, there will be a 17% increase in Thanksgiving week travelers this year compared to 2018. Airport Executive Director Jason Terreri said it’s not just crowded planes, but new flights either arriving or departing from Hancock.
"This year compared to last year, we have an additional 13 flights this week," Terreri said. "So in addition to the normal schedule, the airlines have added extra flights to handle the added demand coming in and out of the airport."
Officials suggest travelers this week arrive two hours before departure time, and Terreri said the significant increase in passengers means the airport will open an overflow parking lot. And there will be more enforcement of curbside pickup and drop off at the airport.
"That means actively putting bags in and taking them out, saying good-bye, saying hello. You just can’t sit there idling in the car," he said.
The busiest days at the airport will be today and Saturday.
For travelers not flying, the heaviest travel day is expected to be Sunday. According to AAA, gas prices will remain steady in central New York this week, with the average cost for a gallon one regular gas at $2.59.
