Travelers wait for their flights in Austin. Photo: Courtesy of COA/Austin-Bergstrom International Airport
The total solar eclipse fueled what's likely to be one of the busiest days ever at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Why it matters: It's the airport's latest test as passenger numbers continue to break records in our growing city.
Driving the news: More than 38,000 passengers were projected to fly out yesterday, according to airport officials.
The airport's busiest day ever was in October — the Monday after Formula One — with more than 43,000 passengers.
Catch up quick: Airport officials warned of longer-than-usual wait times this week as eclipse travelers head back home. Officials urged domestic passengers to arrive at least two and a half hours early.
The airport also saw a high number of passengers in line for ticket counters on Tuesday and Wednesday following both the eclipse and weather delays, officials said in a statement Thursday.
What they're saying: Thursday's passenger departures are likely to land among the airport's top 10 most crowded days, a spokesperson tells Axios.
What we're watching: How the busy week and severe weather will impact on-time departures, which have improved since Southwest Airlines' meltdown in 2022.
