The Syracuse airport is expecting one of the biggest volumes of holiday travelers this season.
About 80,0000 people are expected to come through the Syracuse Hancock International Airport this holiday season, defined as Dec. 16 through Jan. 3.
Syracuse Hancock International Airport Marketing and Communications Specialist Matt Szwejbka said this year's projections are a 13% increase from 2019.
"2019 was our busiest year in three decades at this airport. So, not only are we back to pre-pandemic levels, it seems like we're superseding them," Szwejbka said.
However, the National Weather Service is predicting hazardous winter weather conditions beginning Thursday. Szwejbka said travelers should frequently confirm their flights for cancellations or delays as forecasters predict hazardous winter weather conditions.
Some airlines are already offering passengers travel waivers, Szwejbka said, allowing flyers to change travel times without fees in case their original flights are canceled or delayed.
"It's almost as if the airlines are saying, 'Hey, we anticipate some operational difficulties coming up, and if you want to take advantage of this ability to, free of charge, change your flight to a little different time frame to avoid the storm, we encourage you to do so,'" Szwejbka said.
Szwejbka said the airport has plans to stay open and operational during the weather event.
"Airports such as Syracuse Hancock International Airport have to submit what's called a snow and ice control plan to the FAA," Szwejbka said. "So, by definition, we are always ready 24/7 for whatever mother nature's gonna throw at us."
Rain, snow and strong winds are expected starting Thursday morning. Then on Friday, a rapid temperature decline could cause a flash freeze.