Holiday travel expected to draw record crowds at Miami International Airport

Miami International Airport, Florida – This Thanksgiving holiday season Miami International Airport is expecting to see an all-time record number of travelers.

According to airport officials, they’re projecting an 11 percent increase from the 2019 pre-covid travel period.

According to airport officials, they are expecting about 140,000 passengers per day. The busy holiday period begins on Friday and goes until the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

The busiest day will be the Sunday after Thanksgiving when 160,000 people are expected to pass through MIA.

Airport officials are urging people to arrive early, at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before international travel.

“Unfortunately with the rebound of air travel nationwide, we also have a spike in longer lines, busier parking garages, and unfortunately a significant increase in unruly passengers incidents over the last year,” said MIA Director Ralph Cutie’.

Police are also boosting their presence.

“Enhanced security measures have been implemented to provide an increased police presence in the form of traffic enforcement, high visibility vehicle patrols, foot patrols, bicycle response teams, and the use of undercover personnel,” said Miami-Dade Police Major Eric Garcia.

All of this comes as we’re seeing a 3,000 percent increase in unruly behavior from travelers. Much of that is fueled by opposition to the mask mandate and many times excessive drinking.

Airport officials are urging people to get dropped off, use a rideshare or take public transportation.