Published on November 23, 2025
As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a warning to travellers preparing for one of the busiest air travel periods in over a decade. The 2025 Thanksgiving holiday will see more than 360,000 flights, with the peak travel day scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2025. This surge in air traffic is expected to make it the busiest Thanksgiving travel period in 15 years, a record that highlights the growing demand for air travel during this peak season.
The FAA is working around the clock to ensure smooth operations for the 2025 Thanksgiving period. As families across the country rush to reunite with loved ones, air travel will play a key role. To accommodate this surge, over 52,000 flights are expected on Tuesday alone, a significant increase from normal daily flight volumes. This busy time also marks a critical period for FAA personnel, including air traffic controllers, who are ready to implement strategies to maintain safety and efficiency.

FAA’s Preparedness and Strategies for Safe Travel

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The FAA’s efforts are supported by a team of dedicated air traffic controllers and FAA employees, all committed to ensuring that air traffic flows smoothly despite the overwhelming demand. According to Bryan Bedford, FAA Administrator, the agency’s ability to manage high traffic volumes year after year is a testament to their preparation and resilience. “Thanks to the dedication of our air traffic controllers and every FAA employee, we are ready for the holiday rush,” said Bedford. “Their unwavering commitment keeps the system running safely, even through a period of record-high traffic.”
This year, the FAA is focusing on a variety of strategies to help flights move safely through the national airspace. These strategies include advanced scheduling, improved communication between air traffic controllers and airlines, and ensuring that all systems remain operational despite the expected traffic surge. Furthermore, air traffic controllers will be working in shifts to ensure that safety protocols are maintained while minimizing delays.

Key Tips for a Hassle-Free Thanksgiving Journey

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To ensure a smooth journey for all passengers, the FAA recommends that travelers plan ahead. The agency’s newly updated Holiday Travel page provides essential tips on how to pack, what to expect at the airport, and how to stay calm in the face of potential delays. Among the key recommendations, passengers are encouraged to arrive at the airport early to account for longer security lines, and to check flight status ahead of time to stay informed about potential delays or cancellations.
The Department of Transportation has also launched a new initiative promoting civility in the air. As the holiday travel period often brings heightened emotions, the campaign encourages passengers to be patient and kind, following the instructions of crewmembers to avoid unnecessary disruptions. The message from the FAA is clear: kindness and patience are essential to maintaining a safe and pleasant flying experience for all.

The Importance of Patience and Cooperation During Peak Travel Times

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This Thanksgiving, with a significant increase in air traffic, the emphasis on cooperation between passengers, airlines, and the FAA has never been more critical. Air traffic controllers are on the front lines, working tirelessly to manage the inflow of flights while ensuring that safety remains the top priority. Although travel may be hectic, the FAA assures that measures are in place to make the process as smooth as possible.
Despite the challenges posed by high demand, travelers are reminded that preparation and patience can make a huge difference in ensuring a pleasant experience. Air travel during the Thanksgiving holiday may be stressful, but with a little extra planning and consideration for others, the journey can be made significantly more manageable.

Flight Volume Trends for Thanksgiving 2025

The FAA has released detailed forecasts showing flight volume trends throughout the Thanksgiving week. As expected, the number of flights will increase each day, with the busiest travel day being November 25. As you can see from the table below, the flight volume on this day will significantly surpass other days, continuing the trend of Thanksgiving holiday travel peaks.

This surge in air traffic will demand that both passengers and airlines remain vigilant and prepared. The FAA’s strategies, alongside cooperation from the public, will play a vital role in mitigating delays and ensuring safe travel during this peak period.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect in Future Thanksgiving Travel Seasons

With travel forecasts for the coming years continuing to predict higher passenger volumes, it is clear that the future of Thanksgiving air travel will be marked by increasing demand. The FAA is already looking ahead to future peak travel periods, developing plans and refining strategies to handle the growing number of flights expected in the coming years.
In conclusion, the 2025 Thanksgiving travel period will be a defining moment for air travel in the U.S., testing the resilience of both the FAA and passengers. While the expected travel surge may pose challenges, the FAA’s preparations and the cooperation of passengers will help ensure that this holiday season remains as safe and efficient as possible. As always, air travel can be a smooth experience when everyone does their part to be patient, prepared, and respectful to others.

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