Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) officials anticipate a very busy summer travel season and are advising passengers to arrive early, according to reports from Austin-based media outlets.
The airport's official Twitter account posted that May 17 was the busiest Tuesday for air travel so far in 2022, quoting a tweet from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) that said checkpoint volume at airports nationwide surpassed two million on a Tuesday for the first time this year.
"If you're flying out soon, plan ahead, come early [and] pack your patience!" AUS advised.
Austin ABC affiliate KVUE reported that the airport has seen an increase in high-volume days, with as much as 30,000 passengers passing through.
Should the rate continue, AUS could log a record-breaking 20 million passengers this year.
As a precaution, airport officials suggest travelers arrive between two to three hours, per the station.
According to Austin NBC affiliate KXAN, AUS has experienced a rise in passenger traffic, so much so to the point lines could be seen snaking out of its Barbara Jordan Terminal.
The airport is expected to have its TSA staff augmented by additional officers to handle the summer influx, the station reported.
Aside from early arrival, AUS urges passengers to access boarding passes through their phones, check in through their airlines' app and check their carry-on for prohibited items, KXAN reported.
The airport, which is owned by the City of Austin and operated by the Department of Aviation, addressed a frequently asked question (FAQ) as to why it's been so busy on its website.
"Central Texas continues to grow, and people and businesses are moving to Austin," officials said. "This regional growth has led to strong demand for air service. Airlines continue to invest in Austin, bringing more jobs and economic opportunities alongside new nonstop destinations."