COLUMBUS, Ohio — The John Glenn Columbus International Airport is expecting to see pre-pandemic travel numbers this holiday season. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Columbus Regional Airport Authority (CRAA) is expecting nearly 180,000 scheduled departures during this holiday season

  • According to AAA, 91% of Ohio travelers are driving this season

  • There is a winter weather advisory for this weekend

  • ODOT has Omore than 16,000 plow trucks and 753,000 tons of salt on hand

Millions of people across the state plan to travel this holiday season and experts say planning is important. The Columbus Regional Airport Authority is expecting nearly 180,000 scheduled departures from John Glenn International Airport from Tuesday, Dec. 20 through Monday, Jan. 2.

While travel is getting back to pre pandemic levels, the airport will face winter weather concerns.

Sarah McQuaide, with the CRAA, encourages passengers to arrive at least 90 minutes early for their flights and prepare for winter weather.

“We have a wide array of snow equipment that's unique to the runways," she said. "So we are ready to go.”

TSA is on heightened alert for any terrorist threats.

“There's always concern with lone wolf scenarios that you can't predict,” said Don Barker, Federal Security Director for TSA in Columbus.

Regarding road conditions, there are serious concerns about the impact of the weather.

“It's going to be hazardous. It's going to be slick. You will not be driving the speed limit on our highways,” said Matt Bruning with the Ohio Department of Transportation.

ODOT has already begun pre-treating the roads ahead of this weekend's storm. They have over 16,000 plow trucks and 753,000 tons of salt on hand.

“Not only are we dealing with snow coming from the sky, but we're also dealing with a lot of blowing and drifting snow---and that's going to be a big problem,” said Bruning.  

According to AAA, 91% of Ohio travelers are driving this holiday season with Friday, Dec. 23 being the busiest. They recommend getting on the road early and taking your time, but said they are equipped for an influx of service calls. 

"We are ramping up our crews, but it still will take us longer to get to you if you need help," said Kimberly Schwind with AAA Ohio. “So you want to make sure that you're prepared for that."

With heavy winter weather over the Christmas weekend, the airport recommended fliers to download their airline’s mobile app to keep track of delays and cancellations.