Published on November 24, 2025
As Thanksgiving 2025 approaches, Atlanta is set to join the ranks of Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, Denver, and Phoenix as Thanksgiving travel giants. These airports are gearing up for a massive influx of travelers, making them the epicenters of holiday chaos. With millions of people flying to reunite with loved ones, these key hubs will experience unmatched crowds and sky-high traffic levels. From long security lines to packed terminals, the travel experience at these airports will test even the most seasoned travelers. As more people take to the skies, cities like Atlanta and Chicago will lead the charge in handling the holiday rush. The competition for gate space, luggage, and timely departures will be intense. Passengers should prepare for an unforgettable travel ordeal—one that demands patience, resilience, and an adaptable mindset. The Thanksgiving travel season of 2025 is poised to be an epic one!
Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times in the United States, and 2025 will be no different. From bustling airports in Atlanta to the famous O’Hare in Chicago, travelers will face crowded terminals, long lines, and a frenzy of activity as millions of people head home for the holidays. In this article, we will dive deep into the six busiest airports expected to be at the heart of the Thanksgiving 2025 travel chaos. These airports are not just busy; they are massive hubs that handle an overwhelming number of passengers each year. So, what makes these airports the busiest and what should travelers expect when passing through them this Thanksgiving?
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is set to lead the pack as the busiest airport in the United States during Thanksgiving 2025. Known as the world’s busiest airport, ATL’s massive traffic flow is expected to surge even higher over the holiday period. With over 4 million passengers expected to pass through the airport, it’s no surprise that ATL is ranked as the top contender for the Thanksgiving travel rush.
Atlanta has long held its spot as the busiest airport in the world. Its strategic location as a hub for Delta Air Lines and its ability to handle a vast number of domestic and international flights make it a prime airport for Thanksgiving travel. The airport is forecasted to see around 375,000 passengers on its busiest day, Monday, December 1, 2025. This surge in traffic will cause long queues at security checkpoints and potential delays at gates, making it essential for travelers to plan ahead.
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ATL’s sheer size and traffic capacity are both an advantage and a challenge. With thousands of flights scheduled during Thanksgiving week, travelers should prepare for busy terminals and longer wait times. The airport is also vulnerable to weather-related disruptions, as storms in the Southeast can cause delays. The key to navigating ATL’s Thanksgiving chaos is to arrive early, check real-time updates for security wait times, and stay informed about weather conditions.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is another heavy hitter in the Thanksgiving 2025 travel game. As the second busiest airport in the United States, O’Hare handles millions of passengers each year. With Thanksgiving fast approaching, O’Hare is set to see a significant spike in traffic.
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ORD’s location as a major hub for both domestic and international flights ensures that the airport will be at the center of Thanksgiving travel. With a projected 1.9 million passengers expected to pass through during the holiday period, O’Hare will face high demand and long wait times. The busiest day for O’Hare is expected to be Sunday, November 30, with a potential 178,000 travelers passing through the airport.
As one of the busiest airports in the world, O’Hare is no stranger to traffic and crowds. However, during Thanksgiving, passengers can expect even longer lines, crowded terminals, and potential delays. The biggest challenge at O’Hare is the unpredictable Chicago weather. Snow, sleet, or ice can cause significant delays or cancellations. Travelers should prepare for possible disruptions and give themselves plenty of time to navigate security lines and weather-related delays.
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is another airport that will experience a massive surge in traffic during the Thanksgiving 2025 period. Known for its vast size and extensive flight network, DFW will see millions of passengers traveling through its terminals as families and friends reunite for the holidays.
DFW ranks among the top five busiest airports globally and is a critical hub for American Airlines. This makes it an essential player in the Thanksgiving travel game. The airport is forecasted to see millions of passengers during the holiday window, with flight delays being a common occurrence due to the high volume of air traffic.
With its sprawling terminals and busy airspace, travelers passing through DFW should be prepared for long security lines, crowded gates, and potentially long waits for baggage claim. Weather disruptions, including thunderstorms, can also impact flights coming in and out of the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Travelers should plan ahead and ensure they leave extra time for connections, especially on peak days like Friday, November 28, and Sunday, December 1.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) has rapidly grown into one of the busiest airports in the United States. This year, the airport is set to see a significant increase in passenger traffic during Thanksgiving 2025, with millions of people traveling through its terminals.
Located in the Southeast, CLT is a major hub for American Airlines, accounting for around 90% of the airport’s traffic. This puts CLT at the heart of Thanksgiving travel. With approximately 1.9 million passengers expected between November 21 and December 2, CLT will be experiencing an increase in activity. The busiest day at CLT is expected to be November 30, when an estimated 178,000 passengers will pass through the airport.
Despite recent terminal expansions, including a new $608 million terminal lobby, CLT is likely to face congestion during peak times. The main challenge at CLT is its heavy reliance on a single airline, making the airport more vulnerable to delays if that airline faces operational issues. Weather in the Southeast region could also affect flight schedules, adding to the potential for delays. Travelers should arrive early and keep an eye on real-time updates to avoid any unnecessary stress.
Denver International Airport (DEN) is another major player in the Thanksgiving 2025 travel rush. Known for its large land area and high traffic volume, DEN is a key airport for domestic and international travel during the holiday season.
With its extensive flight network and a large number of travelers passing through its terminals, DEN is forecasted to experience significant congestion during the Thanksgiving period. As a major hub for Southwest Airlines and United Airlines, the airport will handle both domestic and international flights, making it one of the busiest airports in the country. The Thanksgiving rush is expected to be particularly intense on the weekend of November 29-30, 2025.
Denver’s weather is one of the biggest factors to watch out for during Thanksgiving. Snow, ice, or high winds could cause delays or cancellations, making it essential for travelers to plan ahead. The airport’s sprawling layout and high traffic volume mean that long wait times at security and crowded terminals are to be expected. Travelers should prepare for possible weather disruptions and arrive early to ensure a smooth journey.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) may not be as large as some of the other airports on this list, but it is still one of the busiest airports in the United States. Located in the heart of the Southwest, PHX sees millions of passengers each year, especially during the holiday season.
PHX is a major hub for Southwest Airlines, which handles a significant portion of the traffic in and out of the airport. During Thanksgiving 2025, the airport will see a significant increase in passengers, with millions of travelers passing through its terminals. The busiest days are expected to be around Thanksgiving Day, November 28, and the weekend following.
While Phoenix generally experiences better weather than northern airports, weather disruptions can still occur. High volumes of passengers, especially those traveling through connecting flights, will make PHX a busy and sometimes stressful place during Thanksgiving. Travelers should expect long lines at security and crowded terminals, especially during peak travel times.
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, travelers flying through the busiest airports should be prepared for longer wait times, crowded terminals, and the potential for weather-related disruptions. Whether you’re flying through Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Charlotte, Denver, or Phoenix, it’s essential to plan ahead. Arriving early, checking flight and security updates in real-time, and being prepared for delays can make all the difference during the busiest travel period of the year.
By understanding the challenges of each airport and being prepared, you can help ensure a smoother travel experience, even amidst the chaos of Thanksgiving 2025. Safe travels!
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), one of the busiest airports in the world, is about to get even busier in the coming years. With the announcement of new flight routes for 2025 and 2026, ATL is solidifying its place as a global hub for both domestic and international travel. From sunny Caribbean islands to the far reaches of Africa and Europe, new flights are opening up exciting opportunities for travellers. Whether you’re flying for business, leisure, or simply exploring the world, ATL is becoming more connected than ever before.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into these exciting new routes, explore the airlines bringing them to life, and help you understand what this means for you as a traveller.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta is stepping up its game with a variety of new international routes set to launch in 2025 and 2026. As a major hub for Delta Air Lines and other international carriers, the airport’s international offerings are expanding rapidly, allowing passengers to fly directly to more destinations than ever before.
One of the most exciting new additions to ATL’s international network is the direct flight to Marrakech, Morocco. Delta Air Lines will be starting this new route in October 2025, offering passengers a unique gateway to Africa and North Africa. Marrakech, known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning architecture, is a fantastic destination for both leisure and business travel. The flight will make it easier for Americans to explore Morocco, eliminating the need for connecting flights in Europe or the Middle East.
This new route to Marrakech will undoubtedly open up new opportunities for travel to one of Africa’s most exciting cities. If you’ve been dreaming of exploring the Sahara Desert, shopping in bustling souks, or experiencing Moroccan cuisine, now is the time to plan your trip. This flight from ATL will not only save time but also offer travellers a more convenient and direct option to reach Morocco’s top destinations.
Atlanta is also expanding its connections to Europe, with Delta Air Lines adding new routes in 2026. These routes include direct flights to some of Europe’s top cities, making it easier for travellers to access both well-known destinations and hidden gems. In particular, ATL will offer increased flights to cities like London, Paris, Rome, and Amsterdam, solidifying its position as a key European gateway.
These new routes will not only benefit leisure travellers looking to visit Europe but will also provide a wealth of opportunities for business connections. The addition of more flights means there will be more choices for times, dates, and even more affordable options. So, whether you’re flying for a holiday or for work, ATL’s expanded European reach is sure to make your journey smoother.
While international flights to Europe and Africa are important, ATL is also deepening its connections to the Caribbean and Central America. These routes are vital for both tourism and business, and they’re also great options for those looking for a quick and affordable getaway.
Frontier Airlines, known for its affordable fares, will be launching several new routes from ATL starting in 2025. These routes include direct flights to Aruba, Honduras, and Grenada. If you’ve been dreaming of relaxing on white sandy beaches, these destinations should be at the top of your list.
These new routes to the Caribbean and Central America will provide more direct options for those looking for an affordable and tropical escape. With the ease of direct flights from ATL, these destinations will be more accessible than ever. Whether you’re looking for adventure in Honduras, luxury in Aruba, or peace in Grenada, these new routes make it easier to reach paradise without the stress of long layovers or multiple flights.
While international routes are certainly exciting, ATL is also increasing its domestic connectivity. Frontier Airlines will be offering new flights to cities across the United States, expanding travel options within the country. These routes will give travellers more access to popular and emerging destinations, making it easier than ever to explore the United States.
Frontier Airlines is adding several new domestic routes from ATL, including destinations like Kansas City (MCI) and Oklahoma City (OKC), set to begin in May/June 2025. These cities are perfect for both business and leisure travel, offering travellers the chance to experience new places with less hassle.
These new domestic routes make it easier to travel to more destinations in the US without the need for multiple connections or long layovers. Whether you’re heading to a business conference or planning a weekend getaway, these new flights will provide more flexibility and convenience for travellers looking to explore the United States.
In 2026, Avelo Airlines will start offering flights from ATL to destinations like Chicago, Nashville, and New Orleans. These new routes will provide travellers with more low-cost options for both business and leisure travel. Avelo is known for offering budget-friendly fares, making travel more affordable for those on a budget.
With Avelo entering the market, passengers can look forward to more affordable flights from ATL to popular destinations. If you’re looking to save money on your next trip, Avelo’s low-cost fares will give you more options without sacrificing convenience. These new routes will make travel more accessible for a wider range of passengers, helping to bring new opportunities to those who may have previously found air travel too expensive.
While the new flight routes for 2025 and 2026 are certainly exciting, this is just the beginning. ATL is constantly growing and evolving, and travellers can expect even more announcements in the future. As one of the busiest airports in the world, ATL will continue to add new routes and expand its reach to even more destinations across the globe.
These new routes from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) will make it easier for you to travel to new and exciting places. Whether you’re flying to Marrakech, Aruba, Honduras, or a domestic destination like Kansas City, these new flights open up a world of possibilities. As ATL grows its international and domestic network, travellers will enjoy more direct flights, lower fares, and easier access to some of the most popular destinations on the planet.
With all these new routes, ATL is not just a hub for connections — it’s a gateway to the world. So, whether you’re booking a vacation, a business trip, or a family visit, the future of travel from ATL has never looked brighter. Get ready for your next adventure — because ATL is ready to take you there.
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Tags: Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Texas, United States
Monday, November 24, 2025
Monday, November 24, 2025
Monday, November 24, 2025
Monday, November 24, 2025
Monday, November 24, 2025
Monday, November 24, 2025
Monday, November 24, 2025