Memorial Day Travel Surges at Major U.S. Airports, Millions Expected Nationwide

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, major U.S. transportation hubs and roadways are bracing for significant travel surges amid various challenges. Maryland anticipates heavy road traffic, especially toward Eastern Shore beaches, and is promoting safety campaigns to reduce fatalities, with officials urging cautious driving and providing real-time traffic updates. Newark Liberty International Airport faces flight reductions due to runway construction, radar outages, and staff shortages, causing delays and long lines despite FAA assurances of ongoing monitoring and efforts to increase controller staffing. In contrast, Houston's Bush and Hobby airports expect 1.3 million travelers but report improvements like reduced wait times and streamlined check-ins from recent infrastructure upgrades. Meanwhile, Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport predicts a record-breaking 2.6 million travelers, with TSA urging early arrivals and emphasizing preparedness despite recent staffing concerns, reflecting a strong rebound in travel demand. These developments highlight the nationwide complexity of managing increased holiday travel while balancing safety and operational capacity.