Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is preparing for a possible record-breaking travel day as thousands of Formula 1 fans leave the city after the United States Grand Prix.
Monday, October 26, is expected to be the busiest day of the year at the Texas airport, following Sunday’s race at the Circuit of The Americas. Tens of thousands of passengers are expected to pass through security as visitors begin their journeys home.
The airport’s previous single-day record was set last year, when 45,043 passengers were screened by the Transportation Security Administration. Officials have not issued a precise forecast for Monday but say the total could be similar or even higher.
The anticipated rush forms part of a wider period of heavy demand at Austin-Bergstrom, with busy conditions expected from Thursday, October 22, through Tuesday, October 27. The airport defines a high-volume day as one with more than 35,000 departing passengers.
Airport prepares for Formula 1 travel surge
Airport staff have activated a Department Operations Centre to bring together teams from across the operation and respond quickly to problems during the peak period. Extra volunteers will also be positioned around the terminal to help passengers find gates, baggage reclaim and other services.
Construction work is continuing across the airport, including on a new Yellow Garage expected to provide about 7,000 additional parking spaces. Officials said the work should not cause disruption for passengers moving through the terminal.
Austin-Bergstrom has four security checkpoints serving all gates, with the first opening at 3am. The airport has warned that car parks may fill up and that shuttle services could take longer because of increased traffic around the race weekend.
Passengers have been advised to arrive at least two and a half hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures. Extra time may also be needed for checking luggage, returning hire cars, parking and reaching the security queues.
Drivers dropping off or collecting passengers can use either the upper departures level or the lower arrivals level, regardless of whether they are picking up or leaving someone at the airport. Officials recommend using whichever level is less congested.
Although the airport expects Monday to be the peak day, the final outcome will depend on the number of passengers ultimately screened by the TSA. A new record will not be confirmed until those figures are released.
