A4A forecasts record breaking Thanksgiving passenger traffic
US airlines are projecting record numbers of air travelers this Thanksgiving holiday despite an initial softening of demand due to shutdown related flight restrictions.
Trade group Airlines for America says its member airlines expect to carry over 31 million passengers during the holiday period starting tomorrow, Friday.
This would be an all-time record.
Following flight restrictions imposed at airports across the country due to the government shutdown, the airline industry is back on track with most airlines operating their full networks.
Airlines for America represents major carriers like Delta, United and American Airlines.
The holiday period kicks off this weekend through December 1.
A4A expects an average of 2,8 million passengers a day and airlines have upped daily capacity by 45,000 compared to last year.
It forecasts the busiest days to be Sunday November 30 and Monday December 1.
“Our carriers have been working to fully prepare for what’s expected to be a record-breaking Thanksgiving,” said A4A CEO Chris Sununu.
“With airports expected to be busy, we ask all passengers to allow for extra travel time.”
“With the government shutdown over, we are calling on Congress to find a solution for essential aviation workers. Congress needs to pass legislation so that air traffic controllers, TSA officers and CBP agents are paid during future shutdowns.”
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