Portland International Airport (PDX) is preparing for a busy Memorial Day weekend, with an estimated 200,000 travelers expected to pass through its terminals. The busiest travel days are expected to be Friday and Sunday.
Often considered the unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day weekend usually sees a large increase in travel. According to Allison Ferre with the Port of Portland, this weekend is just the beginning of what’s expected to be a crowded summer season.
“Summer travel really picks up in that mid-June time frame,” Ferre said.
Although construction is still underway on the airport’s new main terminal, travelers moving through PDX on Wednesday reported few issues.
“Coming in midday has been fabulous, super easy to get in,” said Janelle Moore, who was flying to Denver. “You could hear a little bit of construction going on, but for the most part the gates are open and easy — so far so good.”
Some travelers said they were relieved not to be flying to Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. That airport has been experiencing ongoing radio communication outages, causing flight delays and frustration since late last month.
“Not concerned about getting on a plane, but glad we’re not landing in that whole New York metroplex area,” said traveler Nanette Holmes.
Ferre reassured travelers that PDX has not experienced any similar communication issues.
“The FAA manages those towers and the staffing that comes with it. We do a lot to make sure PDX is a great place to work,” she said.
With summer approaching, Ferre said PDX is ready for the increase in travelers.
“Airlines switch over to their summer schedules in May, so you are going to see more crowds — more people in security, baggage claim, and check-in areas,” she said.
