Albany airport sees Christmas, Thanksgiving-like departures
Busy February school vacation week brings out throngs of travelers
COLONIE — Albany International Airport said departures this mid-winter break week have resembled those during the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday travel period.
The airport in Colonie typically sees about 5,000 daily departures during the holiday season. This week, with many Capital Region elementary and secondary schools closed from Feb, 19 to 23, the airport saw “several thousand” daily departures, airport spokesman Steven Smith said.
The airport is advising travelers to arrive at least two hours early, especially with ongoing construction for a $100 million renovation project expanding the main terminal. Last month, the airport removed the remains of a pedestrian bridge linking the terminal to the north parking garage.
“There’s just a lot going on at the airport as well,” said Smith, who on Friday shared a social media post showing over 50 people waiting at the airport’s security line. “People are urged just to give themselves a little bit of extra time to arrive at the airport.”
Additionally, the airport is advising travelers to follow signs to get from parking garages to the nearest stairwell or elevator to access the main terminal. It is also reminding residents that curbside parking is prohibited for pick-up or drop-off to prevent traffic congestion.
Despite the mid-winter rush, Smith said the airport sometimes sees thousands of travelers departing in a day on non-holiday weeks. Therefore, he said staff recommend against arriving within 30 minutes of a scheduled flight.
“Our message is clear: you should arrive two hours before your scheduled departure,” Smith said.