Richmond Airport Bracing for Surge in Independence Day Travelers

Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) says it’s anticipating screening over 32 million people across the country this holiday weekend. Locally, officials say we’re on track to continue breaking air travel records.

Richmond International Airport says air travel this July has already been higher than last. Over the next few days, airport officials anticipate seeing more travelers than on a normal day.

“It’s like a normal day plus 20%,” RIC Director of Marketing Troy Bell told our partners at 8News. “This July so far is a little ahead of last year, it was a record but we’re even beyond that so far this year.”

Bell said we can expect to see a surge at the airport on the days leading up to the holiday, as well as the days following.

“Thursday will probably be the quietest day we have this week,” said Bell. “It’s July 4 and people have made it to their destination, so it’s really more before and after the holidays.”

If you’re flying this holiday weekend, be sure to give yourself an adequate amount of time to get to the airport before departure.

Nearly 71 million people are expected to make trips for the Independence Day travel period, AAA predicts.