John Glenn Joins Chicago O’Hare, Midway, DFW, MSP, Nashville, Miami, Los Angeles and More US Airports Expecting to Welcome More Passengers in This Year End Holiday Travel to Surpass Christmas and Memorial Day Stats, A New Hope to Supercharge American Tourism Economy

Published on December 28, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

As we approach the year-end holiday season, John Glenn International Airport is gearing up to join the ranks of some of the busiest U.S. airports like Chicago O’Hare, Midway, Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP), Nashville, Miami, and Los Angeles. These airports, known for their massive traffic surges, are expecting this Sunday for the Biggest Holiday Rush Ever record-breaking passenger numbers that will surpass even the heavy travel days of Christmas and Memorial Day.

This year’s holiday travel forecast promises to be unlike any other, with millions of passengers taking to the skies to reunite with loved ones or escape for a festive getaway. John Glenn International, along with these major U.S. airports, is preparing to handle the peak travel rush, which is anticipated to significantly boost the American tourism economy. The holiday season is now seen as a pivotal moment to supercharge tourism in the U.S., as air traffic soars to new heights. With unprecedented numbers expected, these airports are working tirelessly to ensure smooth operations. If you want to know how these travel giants are handling this year’s surge and what it means for the broader economy, keep reading. This is an essential read for anyone planning to travel this holiday season.

As 2025 draws to a close, airports across the US, particularly John Glenn International Airport in Columbus, Ohio, are seeing an unprecedented surge in travel. On Sunday, December 28, 2025, millions of passengers are taking to the skies, with 122 million domestic travelers expected to journey across the country this holiday season. According to AAA, more than 8 million of them will be flying. For travelers, this means braving long security lines, flight delays, and unpredictable weather. Experts and authorities, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), are urging passengers to take extra precautions as they navigate this chaotic time of the year.

Holiday Travel Surge Hits Airports Hard
As the year comes to a close, the busiest day of the holiday season is expected to fall on December 28, 2025, as millions of travellers flood airports nationwide. The TSA predicts an overwhelming number of 2.86 million domestic and international passengers will pass through airport checkpoints today alone. Long lines, crowded terminals, and impatient passengers have become the hallmark of the holiday rush. John Glenn International Airport in Columbus has seen a significant uptick in foot traffic, with early morning images of families, friends, and solo travelers struggling to make it through security. Amid the chaos, travellers have to brace themselves for potential delays and weather disruptions that may further complicate their journey.

As we approach the end of 2025, airports globally are preparing to welcome an unprecedented surge of travellers. With millions taking to the skies for the year-end holidays, global airports are bracing for their busiest period in years. From Dubai International to New York’s JFK, the world’s busiest airports are gearing up for this massive influx of passengers. The numbers are staggering, and it’s not just the big hubs that are seeing growth — regional airports are expecting heavy crowds as well. In this article, we dive into the key airports that are making critical preparations to embrace more passengers than ever before.

The Travel Surge Hits Global Airports Hard

As holiday travellers flood the skies in search of festive joy and reunions, major airports are expected to handle millions of passengers in the coming days. Dubai International Airport (DXB), one of the busiest airports in the world, is forecasting a monumental rise in passenger traffic. With Dubai serving as a major international transit hub, travellers from across the globe will converge here, making it a key player in the year-end holiday rush. According to the Gulf News reports, Dubai’s airport is set to see millions pass through its terminals during this peak travel period, with operations expanded to ensure smooth processing. The travel demand is so high that airport authorities are adding additional staff, opening up extra security lanes, and deploying more check-in counters to manage the colossal volumes of travellers.

Similarly, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), a dominant player in U.S. air travel, is bracing for its busiest season ever. With projections reaching nearly 5 million travellers, ATL’s staff will be working overtime to handle the expected surge. The American airport has ramped up security measures, added extra flight crews, and restructured its boarding procedures to ensure the smoothest possible journey for all passengers. ATL’s operations director noted that this year’s holiday season will be the busiest yet, urging passengers to arrive early and be prepared for longer queues.

Major U.S. Hubs Experience Overwhelming Demand

In the United States, airports like Chicago O’Hare International and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are facing record levels of demand. With over 5 million travellers expected to pass through the U.S.’s busiest terminals, both O’Hare and LAX are anticipating substantial delays due to the sheer volume of travellers. In fact, LAX recently announced that it would be implementing a new traffic management system to reduce congestion and ensure smooth airport operations.

While these are expected delays, passengers are advised to plan ahead. As the Fox32 Chicago article highlights, these massive U.S. hubs are expecting long lines and heavy crowds, particularly between December 24th and 26th. So, if you’re flying out of Chicago O’Hare or Los Angeles International, make sure to pack your patience — and arrive well in advance. These airports, like many others, are upping their game with additional signage, more staff, and quicker security screening processes. However, it’s clear that this will be a year of challenges, with holiday crowds testing the limits of airport capacity across the board.

Regional Airports Face the Holiday Crunch

It’s not just the largest airports that are facing a spike in traffic; regional hubs are also preparing for a dramatic rise in passenger numbers. St. Louis Lambert International Airport, for example, is experiencing a surge in traveller numbers as the holiday season draws near. The Travel and Tour World report on this reveals that the airport is expecting an increase in return travel after Christmas, with tens of thousands of passengers set to flood the terminals. To handle this, St. Louis Lambert has increased staffing levels, streamlined security, and maximised flight schedules. In fact, the airport has taken steps to improve its passenger flow system by introducing more automated boarding gates and modernising its check-in process. But even with all of these preparations, passengers are advised to expect delays, especially during the busy post-Christmas period.

Even smaller airports like Nashville International are expected to see massive crowds this year. A popular destination for travellers heading to the U.S. South, Nashville has become a key gateway for passengers flying between the U.S. and international destinations like the United Kingdom, Mexico, and Iceland. As highlighted by Travel and Tour World, Nashville International has expanded its international routes, preparing to handle thousands of inbound and outbound passengers during the holidays. To manage the influx, additional flights have been scheduled, and the airport has introduced new services like dedicated holiday lounges for international travellers.

How Airports are Preparing for the Holiday Surge

With millions of passengers expected to pass through major hubs such as New York’s JFK, San Francisco International, and Denver International, airports are pulling out all the stops to accommodate the rush. Many airports are increasing staffing levels, adding more security checkpoints, and enhancing flight and baggage handling services to streamline operations.

Brussels Airport, for instance, is preparing for an expected 1 million travellers passing through its gates. As one of the busiest airports in Europe, Brussels will need to ensure that all services are operating at full capacity. Airport officials have already expanded operations, ensuring there are enough baggage handling teams, cleaning crews, and security personnel to accommodate the increased numbers. With international holiday traffic at an all-time high, passengers are encouraged to check in early and avoid the long queues that are expected to form at peak hours.

Similarly, Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) and Phuket International Airport are preparing to handle a rise in international visitors. Phuket, a popular tourist destination for both local and international visitors, is expected to see over 400,000 passengers. As Asia’s tourism sector continues to recover, Phuket International is increasing capacity to ensure a smooth experience for tourists heading to the beautiful Thai island.

Record Highs and Unprecedented Numbers at Key Airports

This year’s holiday season is shaping up to be the busiest ever for several key airports around the world. According to reports, New York’s JFK, San Francisco, and Miami International airports are set to experience record-breaking traffic levels, with airports in the U.S. alone bracing for more than 44 million passengers in just two weeks. As Simple Flying reports, TSA is expecting a 5% increase in passengers this holiday season, which is creating significant pressure on airport infrastructure.

Airlines and ground services are working together to meet the surge in demand, but long delays are inevitable, particularly during peak travel days like December 22 and 28. Passengers should be prepared for long waits at security, extended boarding times, and packed terminals. However, airlines are working to limit disruptions by ensuring more aircraft are in operation and offering additional services such as in-flight entertainment and complimentary snacks to keep passengers comfortable.

What Passengers Need to Know: Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Flight

If you’re planning to travel over the holidays, preparation is key. Airport officials recommend arriving at least three hours before departure for international flights and two hours for domestic flights. Be sure to check with your airline for any special procedures, as many carriers have introduced new holiday-specific services to help manage the crowds.

Additionally, remember that some airports are experiencing capacity issues, particularly with baggage handling, so it’s wise to pack light or consider carry-on only. According to Travel and Tour World, many airports are seeing longer waits at baggage claim due to the higher volume of checked luggage.

The Great Travel Rush is Here to Stay

The end-of-year holiday rush is here, and it’s clear that airports across the world are preparing for a massive influx of travellers. Whether you’re departing from Dubai, Atlanta, or Brussels, long lines and packed terminals are a given. However, with increased preparation, improved operations, and more flights than ever before, airports are doing everything they can to ensure a smooth and efficient journey for all.

This year’s holiday season will undoubtedly be the busiest in history, but with a little preparation and patience, you’ll be able to enjoy your festive travel adventure without a hitch.

Security Lines: The True Test of Patience for Holiday Travelers
At John Glenn International Airport, the tension is palpable as passengers queue up for hours, hoping they won’t miss their flights. As the peak of the holiday travel season hits, people share their experiences of frantic moments at security checks. One mother and daughter duo expressed relief at their relatively smooth start, but worried about getting through TSA without hiccups.

Tips from TSA: How to Navigate the Airport Maze
As security lines stretch on and frustrations rise, TSA has issued a series of crucial travel tips to help alleviate some of the stress. First and foremost, all travelers must ensure they have a valid ID—no exceptions. The TSA also urges passengers to avoid bringing wrapped gifts, as they may need to be unwrapped for inspection, potentially delaying the process. For those who do plan to carry gifts, using a gift bag is the smarter choice, allowing TSA agents to inspect the contents without damaging the wrapping. As always, travellers should pack intentionally and check carry-on luggage carefully to avoid accidentally bringing prohibited items such as liquids over 3.4 ounces or certain foods. All of these small precautions can save hours of stress on what is already shaping up to be a stressful day at the airport.

Weather Woes: Travelers Must Prepare for Disruptions
In addition to long waits and packed terminals, weather-related delays remain a major concern during the peak holiday travel season. TSA is advising all passengers to check their flight statuses ahead of time to avoid any unexpected cancellations or delays due to inclement weather. Whether it’s heavy snow in the Northeast, thunderstorms in the Midwest, or fog in the South, weather conditions are expected to wreak havoc on flight schedules. Passengers are urged to check the FAA flight status system and their airline’s website for real-time updates. Those flying out of John Glenn International Airport should keep an eye on local weather reports for any last-minute changes that could affect their travel plans.

The Road to Travel Success: How to Stay Ahead of the Game
When it comes to holiday travel, preparation is key. Although the airports may be packed, there are simple ways to stay ahead of the game. For one, passengers should arrive early to give themselves plenty of time to check-in, clear security, and handle any unexpected issues. Experts also recommend having a back-up plan for potential flight delays, as flexibility can make a huge difference. Consider packing snacks and extra entertainment to keep your mind at ease, as wait times could extend well beyond what you expect. Don’t forget to use mobile apps to track your flight’s status and receive real-time alerts. These small steps will ensure you remain in control of your journey and avoid any stressful surprises along the way.

A Family Affair: Holiday Travel Brings Loved Ones Together
Despite the stress and long lines, many travelers are focused on the joy of reaching their destination to spend time with loved ones. From John Glenn International Airport to every other major airport across the United States, families are reuniting, friendships are rekindling, and holiday cheer remains high. For many, the extra effort involved in navigating these holiday crowds is a small price to pay for the priceless moments spent with family and friends. One mother-daughter duo expressed their hope that their holiday travel experience would remain smooth, while others are embracing the inevitable challenges. The chance to be together is what matters most.

Airlines Under Pressure: Handling the Holiday Rush with Precision
With millions flying this holiday season, airlines face an immense pressure to manage the high volume of passengers efficiently. TSA has warned that passengers must be aware of the increased scrutiny at checkpoints due to the rising number of travelers. Many airlines are pre-emptively addressing this surge by offering updates and ensuring their staff is equipped to handle the chaos. The question now is whether the airlines can maintain punctuality and smooth operations despite a massive increase in demand. Flight delays and cancellations are expected, but it’s how airlines respond to these challenges that will determine the overall success of the holiday travel experience.

Surviving the Holiday Travel Chaos of 2025
The 2025 holiday travel season is shaping up to be one of the busiest and most chaotic in recent memory. With millions of passengers on the move, airports and airlines are under immense pressure to handle the volume. However, with preparation, flexibility, and a positive attitude, travelers can still make it through with minimal stress. TSA’s advice on packing and security, as well as the importance of checking flight statuses, will be essential for navigating the madness. The holiday rush is a challenge, but the reward of spending time with family and friends makes it all worthwhile. Travelers are urged to stay informed and patient to ensure that their journey is as smooth as possible.