Albany International Airport (ALB) Prepares for Busy Fourth of July Travel Weekend
Passenger traffic nears pre-pandemic highs as summer travel peaks
ALBANY, NY – Albany International Airport (ALB) is preparing for a major increase in passenger traffic over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, as travel demand continues its upward climb toward record-setting levels. According to AAA, a record 72.2 million people are expected to travel domestically across the U.S. during the extended holiday period, with over 5.8 million of those expected to travel by air.
Here at ALB, airport leaders expect upwards of 40,000 travelers to pass through the terminal over the holiday weekend. This anticipated surge comes on the heels of a strong spring travel season that has brought ALB within striking distance of its pre-pandemic passenger totals. In May alone, 127,066 passengers boarded flights at Albany International — a 2.5% increase over May 2024. From January through May, the airport recorded 604,437 enplanements, marking a 5.3% increase from the same period last year. That total trails 2019’s record pace by fewer than 4,000 enplanements through the first five months of the year.
“The continued growth we’re seeing at Albany International Airport reflects the confidence travelers have in ALB and the investments we’re making to enhance their experience,” said Sam Fresina, Chair of the Albany County Airport Authority. “With new airlines, expanded routes, and our ongoing $100 million terminal revitalization project, we’re focused on making travel more convenient, efficient, and comfortable for everyone who passes through our doors.”
“We’re excited to welcome thousands of travelers through ALB this holiday weekend and want everyone’s experience to be as smooth and stress-free as possible,” said Peter Stuto, Chief Executive Officer at Albany International Airport.
“Our team is ready, and we’re encouraging passengers to arrive early, check in ahead of time, and allow a little extra time to navigate the terminal. We truly appreciate everyone’s patience as we continue working on improvements. The construction happening now is all about creating a better, more modern airport experience for the Capital Region.”
To accommodate the influx of travelers, ALB is working closely with its airline partners, TSA, ground transportation services, and concessionaires to help ensure a smooth and efficient experience throughout the busy weekend.Travelers flying out of ALB are encouraged to plan ahead and follow these important tips:
• Arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure to allow ample
time for parking, check-in, security screening, and reaching your gate.
• Check in early using your airline’s website or mobile app, especially if you're not
checking bags.
• Review TSA travel guidelines at www.tsa.gov to avoid packing prohibited items
in your carry-on or checked luggage.
• Have your ID and boarding pass ready at security to move quickly through
checkpoints.
• Make sure you're Real ID compliant. Travelers can learn more at
tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.
• Consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck for a faster and more convenient
screening process.
As construction continues on ALB’s terminal expansion and Concourse A rehabilitation project, travelers should be mindful of the following:
• Construction is active in front of the terminal. Some traffic lanes and
vestibules are temporarily closed.
• Curbside parking is not permitted. Follow instructions from security personnel
for all drop-off and pick-up activity.
• Use the free cell phone/observation lot on Albany Shaker Road to wait until
your passenger is ready for pickup.
• The first hour in both parking garages is free, allowing convenient drop-off
without curbside congestion.
• If you're parking in the Economy Lot, plan to add at least 20 minutes to your
travel time beyond the recommended two-hour airport arrival window.
• Extra shuttle service will be running to and from the Economy Lot throughout
the holiday weekend to help move passengers efficiently. For construction updates, parking availability, and real-time airport alerts, visit www.albanyairport.com or follow ALB on social media.
Media Contact:
Matt Hunter
Director of Communications
Albany County Airport Authority
