What’s happening
The airport is expecting record-breaking high passenger days starting Oct. 17 through Oct. 21, following The University of Texas vs. University of Georgia football game on Saturday and the 2024 United States Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend.
Over 44,000 passengers are expected to depart on Monday, Oct. 21, following the busy weekend. High passenger days exceed 30,000 thousand departing travelers, according to a news release from ABIA.
Last year, the busiest travel day at ABIA was Oct. 23 with over 43,000 passengers, as previously reported by Community Impact. This was the Monday after the 2023 Formula 1 weekend.
ABIA is preparing for the increase in travelers by having adequate staffing numbers at Transportation Security Administration, concessions and throughout the airport. The Department of Aviation also advised travelers to arrive at least 2 1/2 hours before departure for domestic flights, and three hours for international flights.
For passengers checking luggage, returning rental cars, traveling in large groups or who have additional pre-TSA activities, the airport advises to allot extra time for travel.
While officials are advising to arrive early, they advise against arriving more than four hours before, as the terminals will be busy.
Highways near the airport, including Hwy. 71 and Hwy. 183, are also expected to have high traffic conditions. For real-time traffic updates, travelers can visit DriveTexas.org.
The context
Texas will face Georgia for the first time in Austin since 1958 at UT’s third game in the Southeastern Conference. The UT Longhorns, ranked as AP’s No. 1 football team, and the Georgia Bulldogs, ranked No. 5, kick off Saturday, Oct. 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium, 2139 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin. At the start of the season, Georgia ranked No. 1. Georgia currently holds a record of 5-1, losing to Alabama, with UT remaining undefeated.
The Formula 1 weekend begins Friday at Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, Del Valle. Friday’s schedule includes fan events and driver practices throughout the day, ending with a performance from Sting at night. Events continue Saturday, with a Formula 1 sprint race, fan events and an evening performance from Eminem. On Sunday, the weekend concludes with more musical performance and the United States Grand Prix race in the afternoon. This is the 19th race in the 2024 Formula 1 season, which visits 21 countries throughout the year.
The football and Formula 1 events are just two of the many activities happening in Austin this weekend, including Austin FC’s final game of the season and various performances at the Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin.
What to expect
Busy travel is expected to last through Monday, Oct. 21. Passengers needing assistance are advised to call the Airport Operations Center at 512-530-2242 or to ask Department of Aviation staff for help. For more information visit www.austintexas.gov/airport.
