The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey expects over 6.6 million travelers to use its airports and vehicular crossings during the Labor Day weekend, from Thursday, August 28, through Tuesday, September 2. The agency projects that about 2.4 million passengers will pass through John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, and New York Stewart International airports in this period. This would set a new record for Labor Day travel at these airports, representing a 1% increase over last year’s numbers.
Officials anticipate that Thursday, Friday, and Monday will be the busiest days at the airports. For road travel, approximately 4.2 million vehicles are expected to use the Port Authority’s bridges and tunnels—a figure similar to last year’s volume.
To manage increased traffic flow, the Port Authority will suspend all non-emergency repairs and construction projects at its crossings from 5 a.m. Friday, August 29 until 5 a.m. Tuesday, September 2. The agency plans to issue a separate advisory next week regarding any lane closures or service changes after this period.
The Port Authority urges travelers to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys due to higher passenger volumes and ongoing construction at airport facilities. “The Port Authority strongly encourages all travelers to plan ahead and allow for additional travel time,” the agency stated in its announcement.
Travelers using the region’s airports are advised to arrive at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures. The agency also recommends checking its air travel tips page for information on TSA security wait times, parking availability, AirTrain schedules, public transit directions, and options for for-hire vehicles.
“All travelers, whether by air or road, are strongly encouraged to allow for additional travel time or take public transit whenever possible,” according to the statement.
