Nashville International Joins Hartsfield-Jackson, Chicago O’Hare, Denver, Los Angeles as Key Airports with International Routes to Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Iceland, and Puerto Rico for Christmas and Year-End Travel, New Update is Here

Published on December 18, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

As the Christmas and New Year festive season approaches, Nashville International Airport is making a significant mark in the holiday travel scene by joining Hartsfield-Jackson, Chicago O’Hare, Denver, and Los Angeles as key U.S. airports offering international routes.

This development allows Nashville International to serve as a major gateway for passengers heading to Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Iceland, and Puerto Rico during the Christmas and year-end travel period. With these new connections, Nashville International now offers more direct flight options to top destinations, making it easier for travelers to reach popular locations abroad.

Whether flying to Canada for a winter getaway or enjoying the holiday festivities in London or Reykjavik, Nashville International provides seamless travel options for international flights. With this exciting growth, Nashville joins other major airports in catering to the soaring demand for international travel during the year-end holidays.

The 2025 Christmas and New Year’s holiday season is shaping up to be a historic one for air travel across the United States. U.S. airports are bracing for unprecedented demand as Americans flood the skies in record numbers, with TSA passenger screenings already breaking previous records. The surge is expected to reach its peak in the final days of December and the first days of January, making this the busiest travel season ever. Here’s everything you need to know about the Christmas and New Year’s travel surge in 2025 at U.S. airports, along with vital tips for navigating the madness. Are you ready for the chaos?

U.S. Airports Gear Up for the Busiest Christmas Travel Season in History

Airlines and airports across the United States are preparing for an unprecedented wave of passengers this holiday season. According to projections by the American Automobile Association (AAA), an estimated 122.4 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles between December 20 and January 1, making this the busiest year-end travel period on record. As 8 million passengers are expected to fly, there’s no doubt that U.S. airports will be packed.

For those planning to travel during the busiest days — December 19-21 and 26-28 — buckle up for an experience like no other. As airlines brace for the expected surge, bigger crowds and longer wait times at security checkpoints will be inevitable. The sheer scale of the demand is already making headlines. Read the full projections on AAA’s Year-End Holiday Travel Forecast here (newsroom.aaa.com).

TSA Passenger Numbers Skyrocket as 2025 Sets New Screening Records

In the lead-up to Christmas, TSA screenings have already reached unprecedented levels. The Transportation Security Administration reported record-breaking daily checkpoint numbers, with over 3 million passengers screened on single days in early December. This marks the highest daily numbers in history, and the trend is expected to continue throughout the holiday season.

TSA’s screening stats for December 2025 reflect this growing demand, with more than 2.5 million passengers being processed daily across the nation. As we inch closer to Christmas, the numbers are expected to skyrocket, with new all-time records being set every day. With the holiday chaos at its peak, expect higher crowds and longer lines. Catch the full TSA screening details here (tsa.gov).

Major U.S. Airports Brace for Chaos with Record Passenger Volumes

The sheer volume of air traffic this holiday season is overwhelming. Let’s take a closer look at how U.S. airports are preparing for this record-breaking surge, including tips for navigating some of the busiest hubs in the country.

Nashville International Airport Braces for Record-Breaking Holiday Travel

As the holiday season approaches, Nashville International Airport (BNA) is gearing up for a record-breaking surge in air travel. Christmas 2025 and New Year 2026 are set to see unprecedented passenger volumes, with BNA preparing for its busiest holiday period ever. Here’s a detailed look at what travellers can expect and how to prepare for the Christmas rush.

Peak Travel Days and Airport Traffic Expectations

The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) has identified key peak travel days for the upcoming holiday season. December 19-22, 26 December, and January 2 are expected to be the busiest, with December 19–21 marking the start of the travel frenzy. These dates align with broader national trends, where millions of Americans take to the skies for holiday trips.

Local reports highlight that Nashville’s road traffic near BNA is already seeing an increase, and with the expected influx of travellers, longer wait times at security and check-in counters are likely. Passengers should plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours before their flight, particularly on peak days.

Airline Services and Seasonal Routes

To meet growing demand, Delta Air Lines is expanding its seasonal services from Nashville. New non-stop flights to Cancun and Orlando will be available starting from December 20, offering more direct routes to popular vacation destinations. These seasonal services are designed to cater to the increased leisure traffic typically seen during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

BNA is also seeing increased service from other major airlines such as American Airlines, Southwest, and United, with extra flights added to destinations like Florida, New York, and California, which are among the most popular domestic travel hotspots during this time.

Airport Operations and Road Access

As BNA prepares for the surge, airport officials are advising passengers to stay informed about potential traffic congestion. Scheduled lane closures and construction work around the airport property may impact vehicle access during peak travel days. It’s recommended to check real-time traffic updates and allow extra time for travel to and from the airport.

In addition to traffic updates, passengers should be prepared for longer lines at TSA security, especially during the busiest travel days. TSA officials have advised all passengers to have valid ID and boarding passes ready and to be aware of new screening procedures that are in place to streamline the process.

International Arrivals and Waiting Times

International flights arriving at BNA during the holiday season may experience longer than usual customs wait times. Based on previous years, BNA has seen higher processing times during the holiday rush, especially for international travellers. Passengers returning from overseas should be prepared for delays at immigration and customs checkpoints.

Prepare for the Busiest Holiday Travel Season at BNA

Nashville International Airport is bracing for a record-breaking holiday season, with millions of passengers expected to travel through its terminals. Whether you’re flying out for a Christmas getaway or returning from a New Year’s celebration, early planning and awareness of road congestion and longer waiting times can help make your holiday travel experience smoother.

Remember, arriving early, checking real-time flight and traffic updates, and packing light will ensure that you navigate the busiest travel period of the year with ease. With the proper preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy a stress-free journey through Nashville International Airport this festive season.

Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) is expected to see massive crowds. With Delta, Southwest, and American Airlines offering more flights than ever, the busiest airport in the U.S. is set to shatter previous records. ATL typically sees over 200,000 passengers daily, and with the spike in Christmas and New Year travel, this could easily surpass 300,000.

Dallas/Fort Worth International (DFW), the second-largest U.S. airport by passenger traffic, is preparing for a similar surge. American Airlines, which is headquartered in Dallas, has ramped up seasonal flights, expecting to handle millions of passengers through its gates.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is also set to experience a huge increase in traffic. With a high number of international travelers, particularly from Hawaii, Mexico, and Europe, LAX is expected to be a hotspot for both Christmas getaways and New Year’s vacations.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Denver International Airport (DEN) are also bracing for packed terminals. With high demand for domestic flights to Florida and vacation spots across the U.S., these airports will face some of their busiest days of the year.

Record Surge in Christmas Travel: The Top Destinations and Routes

For many travelers, Florida, Hawaii, and California will be top destinations. With airlines ramping up flights to these warmer locales, airports such as Miami International (MIA) and Orlando International (MCO) are expecting a massive influx of vacationers.

In terms of international travel, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami will likely see an uptick in flights to and from the Caribbean and Latin America, where many people head for holiday celebrations.

Expect crowded terminals, packed flights, and delays as airports work hard to accommodate the massive surge in passengers. Airlines have already warned travelers to arrive early and to prepare for longer-than-usual lines at check-in and security. Additionally, many airports have expanded their capacity and adjusted operating hours to meet the demand.

Airlines Respond to Record Traffic with Extra Flights and Increased Capacity

To manage the overwhelming demand, airlines have increased their flight offerings for the holiday period. Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines are among those expanding their schedules with additional flights on popular routes to destinations like New York, Orlando, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.

New York’s JFK, Miami International (MIA), and Chicago O’Hare (ORD) airports will be focal points for international flight traffic, as holidaymakers head out for New Year’s abroad. Airlines have also added more flights to popular European destinations like Paris, London, and Barcelona.

As a result, overcrowding in check-in areas, longer wait times at gates, and congestion on tarmacs will likely create stress and delays for passengers. But these airlines have promised to optimise operations to ensure smooth travel, even as traffic spikes.

Nashville International Airport (BNA), a major gateway for Music City, has been rapidly expanding its global footprint in recent years. With its growing importance as a key travel hub, BNA now offers direct airline routes to 10 countries, making it easier for passengers to travel internationally without the hassle of connecting flights. Whether you’re heading to Canada, Mexico, Europe, or beyond, Nashville’s expanding network ensures smoother journeys across the globe.

International Routes from Nashville International Airport

Expanding International Connectivity

Nashville’s growing international reach is bolstered by seasonal flights, which make direct travel to global destinations like Iceland and the Caribbean more accessible during the busy holiday months. The airport has been consistently increasing the number of flights to both Europe and Canada, particularly in the summer and holiday seasons when leisure travel peaks.

In addition to the countries listed in the table above, Nashville also provides easy access to numerous international destinations via connecting flights through major hubs like Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, and Dallas, making it a prime departure point for global travel.

Growth of Nashville’s International Routes in 2025

In 2025, passengers can expect more flight options as airlines such as Delta and American Airlines ramp up their international services from Nashville, particularly to high-demand destinations like Mexico and Europe. This growth also signifies Nashville’s increasing role as an international travel hub, with the airport expected to serve more than 15 million passengers this year.

Nashville International Airport is quickly becoming one of the busiest airports in the United States, thanks to its expanding network of direct international flights. With direct routes to 10 countries, including key destinations in Canada, Mexico, and Europe, passengers from Nashville now have greater access to international travel than ever before. Whether you are flying to London, Reykjavik, or Cancun, BNA’s connectivity makes it an ideal airport for those looking to explore the world.

How to Prepare for the 2025 Christmas Travel Surge: Tips and Strategies

Navigating the chaos at U.S. airports this holiday season requires smart planning. Here are some essential travel tips:

1. Arrive Early: With record numbers of passengers passing through TSA checkpoints, expect longer wait times. The TSA recommends arriving at least 2–3 hours before your flight to ensure you’re not caught in the rush.
2. Check-In Online: Avoid long lines at the airport by checking in online. Many airlines offer online check-in 24 hours before your flight. Take advantage of this feature to breeze through the airport faster.
3. Prepare for Weather Delays: Winter weather, including snowstorms and heavy rain, can cause significant delays. Be ready for potential disruptions, and always check flight status before heading to the airport.
4. Stay Informed: Download the airport’s app and track your flight status. Many airports provide real-time information on wait times and security lines.
5. Pack Light: Avoid checked baggage to save time at the airport. Carry-on bags will allow you to skip baggage claim and head straight to your destination.

The Future of US Air Travel: What’s Next for the 2026 Holiday Season?

The year 2025 marks a new benchmark for air travel in the U.S., and experts predict that the 2026 holiday season could bring even more record-breaking numbers. Airports will likely face similar challenges but will continue to evolve with new technologies, such as biometric screening, faster security checks, and expanded capacity to meet passenger demands.

As demand for air travel continues to increase, U.S. airports will have to keep innovating to provide passengers with a smoother experience. Whether through improved facilities, faster processing times, or greater route options, the future of air travel looks bright.

Get Ready for the Busiest Travel Season Ever in U.S. Airports!

There’s no denying that U.S. airports are gearing up for the most chaotic Christmas travel season in recent history. With record-breaking passenger numbers, overcrowded terminals, and delayed flights, passengers need to be prepared for anything.

This year’s travel season is bound to be memorable, so make sure you plan ahead, arrive early, and stay informed about any changes or delays. Keep an eye on TSA updates, weather forecasts, and flight statuses, and above all, stay patient. Whether you’re flying to Florida, California, or abroad, the journey is just part of the adventure.