TAMPA, Fla. — Flight delays are building at Tampa International Airport just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Some 557 flights are scheduled for the day on Wednesday, according to the airport. Of those, as many as 90-plus flights have been delayed and one canceled. The Federal Aviation Administration implemented what it says is a "flow control" program due to the number of flights coming to and from Florida, excluding Jacksonville's airport.
The average delay could be about a half hour.
Travelers moving through the Transportation Security Administration's security lines should have no issue, however. The average wait time is 0-15 minutes at Tampa's airport, according to the myTSA app.
Passengers are encouraged to check with their airline for the latest flight information throughout the day. Tampa International Airport's flight status page shows the latest departures and arrivals.
It's a similar story across the Bay at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport and its Allegiant Air service, with no issues being reported.
Tampa airport officials expect 80,000 passengers will pass through each day from now through Sunday, Nov. 26 — its busiest Thanksgiving period ever. The two busiest days will likely be the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after. Parking may become an issue, so people are encouraged to book in advance online or consider a rideshare.
Parking options at St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport will be limited, as well, officials said.
Flight tracker websites
Airline customer service pages
About 4.7 million people nationwide are expected to fly over Thanksgiving, according to AAA. The figure represents an increase of 6.6 percent compared to 2022 and the highest number of air travelers since 2005.
"Travel demand has been strong all year, and AAA’s Thanksgiving forecast reflects that continued desire to get away and spend time with loved ones," said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel.