Approximately 8.8 million travelers are expected to use the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s airports and vehicle crossings during the Thanksgiving travel period from November 24 to December 1, setting a new record for this time of year.
The agency projects that about 3.3 million passengers will pass through John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, and New York Stewart International airports over these eight days. The busiest travel days at these airports are expected to be Sunday, November 30, and Monday, December 1. This figure is a slight increase of one percent compared to the previous record set in 2024.
Additionally, an estimated 5.5 million vehicles are anticipated to use Port Authority bridges and tunnels during the holiday period, which is similar to last year’s volume. To help manage traffic flow, all ongoing repairs and construction projects at these crossings will be paused from 5 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26 until 5 a.m. on Monday, December 1. Further advisories regarding lane closures or service changes for the rest of that week will be issued on December 1.
The Port Authority advises travelers to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys due to higher passenger numbers and ongoing construction at John F. Kennedy International Airport affecting roadways and pickup areas for hired vehicles. The agency recommends arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures.
Travelers can access information such as real-time TSA security wait times, parking availability, AirTrain schedules, public transit directions, and hired vehicle details by consulting the Port Authority’s air travel tips page.
For updates on service changes or lane closures at Port Authority facilities online,click here.
