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Albany International Airport Preparing for Increase in Travelers During Thanksgiving Holiday

Travelers Urged to Plan Ahead, Arrive Early, as Thousands Expected to Pass Through Airport

Albany International Airport (ALB) is preparing for what is expected to be one of the nation’s busiest Thanksgiving travel weeks on record. With upwards of 10,000 travelers expected to depart ALB on Tuesday and Wednesday alone – and a similar number arriving in the Capital Region – passengers should anticipate heavier-than-usual foot traffic and plan accordingly.

"We’re excited to welcome air travelers to our airport this week as they prepare to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday," said Peter Stuto, Chief Executive Officer at Albany International Airport. “We look forward to helping make this holiday a happy one as we safely connect families, friends and loved ones from the Capital Region and beyond.”

Locally, Albany International Airport is experiencing one of its busiest years on record and is on track to surpass 1.5 million enplanements in 2025. The strong expectations for this holiday weekend are consistent with the robust passenger volumes ALB has seen throughout the year.

According to federal agencies, Thanksgiving week is expected to bring some of the highest air travel volumes the nation has seen in years.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to screen more than 17.8 million passengers between November 25 and December 2. Over 3 million passengers are expected to pass through security checkpoints just on Sunday, November 30, which would make it one of the busiest days in TSA’s history.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is preparing to manage more than 360,000 flights during the holiday period, with Tuesday, November 25 projected to be the single busiest day, exceeding 52,000 flights nationwide.

Travel Tips for Departing Passengers

Travelers planning to fly out of ALB are reminded of the following travel tips:

  • Arrive at the airport no less than two hours prior to your scheduled departure. This allows time to park, check bags, clear security, and reach your gate.
  • Consider using alternate transportation to reduce parking demand and speed up your arrival.
  • Check in early online or through your airline’s mobile app.
  • Bring valid identification, your boarding pass, and any required travel documents.
  • Ensure your identification is REAL ID compliant. Learn more at: tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.
  • Review TSA guidelines at tsa.gov before packing. Be mindful of restrictions on liquids, gels, aerosols, and other prohibited items.
  • TSA PreCheck can expedite screening for eligible travelers
  • Confirm your gate number through your airline’s app or airport monitors once inside the terminal Construction Impacts, Curbside rules, and Parking Guidance

As construction continues on ALB’s main terminal expansion and Concourse A rehabilitation, travelers should anticipate changes in traffic patterns and curbside access:

  • Construction activities are underway directly in front of the main terminal.
  • Traffic lanes are reduced, and certain vestibules may be temporarily closed.
  • Curbside parking is never permitted.
  • Parking garages and airport lots — including the cell phone lot on Albany Shaker Road — are free for the first hour and are the best places to wait for arriving passengers.
  • If you are picking up an arriving passenger, wait in a garage or the cell phone lot until they have collected their luggage and are ready to leave before pulling up to the curb.
  • Travelers parking in long-term lots or the North Garage may wish to use the south crosswalk, which provides a direct connection to airline ticketing.
  • Drivers should follow posted signage and the instructions of on-site security personnel to ensure a safe and efficient flow of traffic.

For more information and the latest updates on construction, please continue to follow Albany International Airport on social media.