Atlanta, January 1, 2026
News Summary
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport anticipates a record influx of approximately 5.3 million travelers during the holiday season. The busiest day is expected after Christmas, with over 348,000 passengers. Travelers are advised to arrive early, check flight statuses, and follow airport updates. Frontier Airlines is expanding with new routes to several popular international destinations in response to the growing demand and is celebrating with promotional fares.
Atlanta – Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is anticipating a record-breaking influx of approximately 5.3 million travelers during the holiday season between December 19, 2025, and January 4, 2026. This forecasted number marks an increase from last year’s holiday season traffic, which saw around 5.2 million travelers. The busiest travel day is expected to be the Friday after Christmas, with more than 348,000 passengers anticipated at the airport.
Airport officials have advised passengers to arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights. Early morning wait times for security have peaked at about 21 minutes, easing as the morning progresses. This travel surge follows an increase from nearly 4 million travelers recorded during the previous holiday season in 2024.
Travelers planning to use ATL are recommended to check their flight statuses beforehand due to potential delays, particularly related to adverse weather conditions affecting flights into and out of Atlanta. Hartsfield-Jackson is widely recognized as the world’s busiest airport, serving as a crucial hub for both domestic and international flights.
New Routes and Airline Expansions
In response to the growing demand, Frontier Airlines is expanding its presence at ATL by launching six new routes to popular international destinations, including St. Maarten, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and Mexico, as well as the U.S. city of Milwaukee. Frontier Airlines is celebrating this expansion with promotional fares starting at $49 for select routes.
The new routes include a weekly service to Simpson Bay, St. Maarten, with an introductory fare of $89, and Nassau, The Bahamas, offering a fare of $79, both commencing in December 2025. Additionally, new weekly flights to Puerto Vallarta and San José del Cabo in Mexico will begin on December 20, 2025.
Frontier Airlines is also enhancing its services by introducing First Class seating and UpFront Plus seating, which aims to increase customer care offerings. The airline’s loyalty program, FRONTIER Miles, permits families to pool their miles together, making it easier for them to claim rewards collectively.
Management of Increased Travel Demand
As the holiday travel demand surges at ATL, airport officials are taking proactive measures to effectively manage the increase while addressing weather concerns that could affect operations. Passengers are encouraged to follow the airport’s official social media account, @ATLairport, for timely updates and to remain in contact with airlines for any schedule changes related to their flights.
Travel Preparation Tips
- Arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights.
- Arrive at least three hours early for international flights.
- Check flight statuses before heading to the airport.
- Follow @ATLairport on social media for updates.
Summarized Flight Statistics
| Year | Travelers | Busiest Day | Expected Passengers on Busiest Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 million | N/A | N/A |
| 2025 | 5.3 million | Friday after Christmas | 348,000 |
| 2026 | 5.2 million | N/A | N/A |
FAQ
Q1: When is the anticipated record-breaking holiday travel period at ATL?
A1: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is projecting an influx of approximately 5.3 million travelers between December 19, 2025, and January 4, 2026.
Q2: What is the expected busiest travel day?
A2: The busiest travel day is anticipated to be the Friday after Christmas, with over 348,000 passengers expected at the airport.
Q3: How early should I arrive at the airport?
A3: Airport officials recommend that passengers arrive at least two hours early for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights.
Q4: What actions are being taken to manage increased holiday travel demand?
A4: ATL is taking proactive measures to manage increased holiday travel demand amid weather concerns, encouraging travelers to check flight statuses and follow @ATLairport on social media for updates.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Atlanta Introduces New Year Celebration ‘Countdown Over ATL’
Atlanta Replaces Peach Drop with Countdown Over ATL Celebration
Atlanta Introduces Decentralized New Year’s Eve Celebration
Atlanta Introduces ‘Countdown Over ATL’ for New Year
Atlanta to Launch Countdown Over ATL for New Year’s Eve
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Named Best for Business Travel
Delta Air Lines Reinstates Nonstop Flights from Atlanta to Grenada
Severe Flu Season Hits Georgia, Child Hospitalizations Surge
Delta Air Lines Faces Major Disruptions Due to Winter Storm
Delta Flight DL2627 Returns to Atlanta After Engine Issue
Additional Resources
- Atlanta News First: Holiday Travelers Deal with Long Lines
- Wikipedia: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Frontier Airlines Launching New Routes
- Google Search: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Holiday Travel Surge at Atlanta Airport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlanta
- 11 Alive: FAA Service Cuts at Hartsfield-Jackson
- Google News: Holiday Travel Atlanta Airport
- CBS News: Hartsfield-Jackson Expects 5.3 Million Travelers
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
