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Syracuse airport bracing for record number of holiday travelers

 A decorated Christmas tree with red and gold ornaments sits in front of two escalators.
Isabel Flores
/
WAER
A Christmas tree decorates the Syracuse Hancock International Airport for the holidays.

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.

 Red poinsettias in pots surround a flight time board and an escalator in the Syracuse Hancock International Airport.
Isabel Flores
/
WAER
Poinsettias surround a flight time board and an escalator in the Syracuse Hancock International Airport.

Isabel Flores is a graduate student studying Broadcast and Digital Journalism at Syracuse University’s S.I. School of Public Communications, expected to graduate in May of 2023. As a multimedia reporter, she helps to present as well as produce audio and digital content for WAER. In her free time, Isabel enjoys working out and listening to all genres of music.