American Airlines, Delta, Southwest, JetBlue and Other US Carriers Join Forces to Survive the Record-Breaking More Than Sixteen Million Travelers, Is Your Flight Ready

Published on December 1, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

As Thanksgiving approaches, US airlines like American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways and Other US carriers are joining forces to survive the record-breaking surge of more than 16 million travelers. With such a massive number of passengers expected to hit the skies, the pressure on airports, airlines, and travelers alike is mounting. Will your flight be ready for the chaos? The aviation industry has been preparing for this unprecedented wave, but only time will tell if they can handle the strain.

More than 16 million travelers will be flying across the country, making this holiday season one for the record books. Airlines are working together like never before to manage the load, ensuring smoother operations despite the overwhelming numbers. At Travel and Tour World, we urge you to read the full story to stay ahead of the curve. If you’re flying this holiday season, understanding the preparations being made could mean the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful ordeal.

As the holiday season kicks into full swing, one thing is for certain: travel demand is surging. Thanksgiving 2025 is shaping up to be the busiest in over 15 years, with millions of Americans flocking to the skies, a sign of recovery after years of disruptions due to the pandemic and subsequent airline staff shortages. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets, continues its push for global recognition with ambitious tourism goals and new airline routes. Let’s take a look at these two significant developments in the travel and tourism world.

Thanksgiving Travel Rush Expected to Break Records in the US

This year’s Thanksgiving holiday travel season is expected to break records, with more than 360,000 flights scheduled to take off from US airports. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), an estimated 16.9 million passengers are expected to board flights over the holiday week, making it the busiest Thanksgiving in over 15 years.

Airlines are gearing up to accommodate the influx of travelers, which will put the resilience of the US aviation industry to the test. The smooth operation of this year’s Thanksgiving travel period will be a significant indicator of how well the aviation industry has recovered from the twin challenges of the pandemic-related shutdowns and the ongoing staffing shortages that plagued airlines in the last few years.

Experts are warning travelers to brace for longer wait times at major hubs, especially at airports like Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), the busiest airport in the world. Peak travel days are expected to see the highest volumes, and the challenge for travelers will be to manage the long wait times at security checkpoints, check-in counters, and baggage claim areas.

The trend toward more people traveling for the holidays, particularly Thanksgiving, comes as the travel industry continues to bounce back. Airlines are expected to operate at near pre-pandemic capacity, and many travelers are prepared to endure potential delays as they reunite with loved ones or embark on vacations.

Packing for this busy travel period will require patience and planning. While travelers have long been accustomed to bringing their identification, now, it’s just as important to have a plan for navigating the busy airports, especially on peak travel days.

Saudi Arabia Sees Rapid Tourism Growth with Luxury Hotels and Non-Stop Flights

While Thanksgiving sees American skies packed with travelers, overseas, Saudi Arabia is preparing to become an increasingly popular destination for international travelers. Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is experiencing a boom, fueled by its Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the kingdom’s economy by developing the tourism sector.

This year, international hotel giant IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group) marked 50 years of operations in Saudi Arabia and revealed plans to open its 100th hotel in the kingdom by 2025. The company is expanding its footprint in the region, with a focus on luxury, lifestyle, and mainstream hotel brands. As Saudi Arabia seeks to position itself as a key global tourism destination, the increased presence of well-known hotel brands will help elevate the country’s profile among luxury and business travelers alike.

IHG’s growth is a direct reflection of the kingdom’s aggressive tourism development plans, which include launching high-end hotels and resorts in key cities and some of the country’s most prominent mega-projects. The timing of these efforts comes at a critical juncture as Saudi Arabia aims to capture a larger share of the international travel market in the coming years. As more luxury hotels and resorts open across Saudi Arabia, travelers can expect to find world-class accommodations that cater to both business and leisure needs.

For many travelers, Saudi Arabia may have once felt like a far-off destination, but with significant investment in infrastructure, tourism, and travel facilities, it is set to become much more accessible. A major step in that direction is the launch of new airline routes, including a direct flight connecting Atlanta (ATL), the world’s busiest airport, to Saudi Arabia. Delta Air Lines has announced that it will begin operating its first non-stop flight between Atlanta and Saudi Arabia in the winter of 2026. This new route will provide direct access to one of the fastest-growing tourism and investment markets globally.

Saudi Tourism Authority Launches New Initiatives for Saudi and Chinese Travelers

In addition to the significant growth in infrastructure, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is also doubling down on attracting travelers from key markets like Saudi Arabia and China. The TAT’s recent initiatives focus on promoting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a premier destination for both leisure and faith-based tourism, targeting Saudi and Chinese travelers specifically.

Tailored marketing campaigns, route support for airlines, and strategic partnerships are central to this new wave of initiatives. The Saudi Arabian market has been growing rapidly in recent years, particularly since diplomatic relations between Thailand and Saudi Arabia were fully restored after the pandemic. As part of its tourism expansion efforts, the TAT is emphasizing the diversity of Thailand’s tourism offerings, from pristine beaches and luxury resorts to spiritual sites and faith-based travel.

The combination of strong diplomatic ties, targeted marketing, and the ongoing push for broader international travel access has made Saudi Arabia a central focus of tourism growth in the region. With more tourists from the kingdom venturing abroad, Thailand sees an opportunity to tap into this market, particularly in terms of beach leisure and faith-based tourism. These initiatives position Thailand as an attractive destination for Saudi and Chinese travelers who are seeking both relaxation and cultural exploration.

Conclusion: A New Era of Travel for Both Thanksgiving and Saudi Arabia

As the Thanksgiving holiday draws near, millions of travelers in the United States will experience the busiest travel period in recent memory. Airlines, airports, and travelers alike will be navigating a complex and crowded landscape, with the hope that this year’s travel chaos is a sign of recovery for the aviation industry.

At the same time, Saudi Arabia’s push to become a major global tourism destination is gaining momentum. With world-class hotels opening across the kingdom, new airline routes connecting major US cities to Saudi Arabia, and targeted initiatives aimed at Chinese and Saudi travelers, the kingdom is positioning itself to become a key player in the global tourism sector.

Travelers in 2025 will see new opportunities for adventure, whether they’re heading to bustling US airports for Thanksgiving or looking for a luxury getaway in Saudi Arabia. Whatever your destination may be, the world of travel is evolving, and the future promises an exciting array of destinations, experiences, and opportunities.