Portland International Airport is gearing up for an unprecedented holiday travel season. The PortlandMedium has the numbers. PDX is expecting more than 900,000 passengers between December 19 and January 5 – a 12% increase from the previous year. The airport anticipates its peak traffic on December 27, with over 56,000 travelers, followed closely by December 30 and 31, each expecting approximately 55,000 passengers.
The surge comes during Phase 2 of the airport’s renovation project, prompting officials to recommend earlier arrival times for travelers. With ongoing construction affecting access to concourses E and B, passengers are advised to arrive two hours before domestic flights and two and a half hours for international departures. The morning hours between 5 AM and 9 AM are expected to be particularly busy, and parking facilities will be in high demand.
This holiday travel boom extends beyond air travel, with AAA forecasting 1.68 million Oregonians traveling at least 50 miles during the season. The timing of Christmas this year, falling on a Wednesday, has encouraged many to extend their holiday breaks, contributing to the increased travel volume. Nationwide, travel numbers are expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels, with 119.3 million Americans planning holiday trips.
Road travel will dominate the season, with approximately 90% of American travelers choosing to drive, including 1.5 million Oregonians. Despite the cheapest gas prices since 2020, motorists should prepare for significant traffic delays, particularly during peak travel days on December 22 and 29. Oregon drivers may face journey times increased by 8% to 50%, not accounting for weather or accident-related delays.
The airport is implementing several measures to manage the increased traffic flow, including the introduction of advanced TSA ID verification systems. Officials also remind travelers that this marks the last holiday season before REAL ID requirements take effect in May 2025, and encourage passengers requiring wheelchair assistance to make arrangements with their airlines in advance.
