As Indianapolis International Airport joins Los Angeles, Denver, John F. Kennedy, and Chicago O’Hare, US airports are bracing for a record-breaking and busiest air travel surge this Christmas and New Year holiday for Americans. The Christmas and New Year travel period of 2025 is expected to see unprecedented levels of air traffic, with millions of travelers heading to various destinations across the globe.
This Christmas and New year holiday travel surge is driven by increased demand for both domestic and international flights, making it one of the busiest times in the skies. As Indianapolis becomes a key player alongside these major airports, the excitement for this record-breaking holiday rush builds. Travelers can expect longer wait times, packed terminals, and a flurry of activity at major airports as the holiday season approaches. This year’s holiday travel promises to be bigger and busier than ever before, creating a buzz in the air travel industry.
The Busiest Airports for Christmas: Where Will the Crowds Be?
The U.S. is home to some of the busiest airports in the world, and Christmas 2025 will see record crowds at these major travel hubs. The following airports are expected to handle the most passengers this holiday season, driven by domestic travel surges and an increasing number of international visitors:
Indianapolis International Airport Rings in the Holidays with Music and Performances
As the holiday season approaches, Indianapolis International Airport has kicked off a series of festive celebrations to spread cheer and enhance the travel experience for those flying through the city. From December 12 to 24, 2025, the airport is hosting a range of live performances by local musicians, school groups, and cultural performers, all aimed at creating a welcoming and joyful atmosphere for travelers coming to or from central Indiana.
The festivities began on December 12 with a holiday showcase featuring various entertainers, including Monte Parker on vocals and keyboard, a Gospel Trio blending holiday songs with gospel-style harmony, and a vocal ensemble from Carmel High School. Later that day, the Castlewood Singers, a 40-voice choir, continued the holiday music from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Daily Performances and Unique Holiday Experiences
Each day, travelers can look forward to a different set of performances, including:
- December 13 (Saturday): Young Hoosier Pianists will play holiday music in a “Tickling the Ivories” showcase.
- December 14 (Sunday): Enjoy Yuletide Favorites with DJ Don Masters and a performance by the Capital City Chorus, a women’s choir.
- December 16 (Tuesday): Hanukkah Holiday celebrations with the Klezmer Quartet, performing Jewish and secular music.
From December 17 to December 24, the airport will host various themed events such as “Merry Jazzmas” with Brenda Williams and the Valerie Phelps Trio, Pop Christmas with artists like Elizabeth Lee, and instrumental choirs with performances by the Indy Winds Flute Choir and the Indianapolis Clarinet Ensemble.
A Special Christmas Eve Celebration for Travelers
The holiday performances will culminate on December 24 with a “Peace on Earth” concert. Jan Aldridge Clark, a perennial favorite, will perform beautiful harp and keyboard music to close out the holiday celebrations. This special performance will provide a peaceful, reflective atmosphere for travelers before they head off to their destinations.
These performances aim to offer travelers not just a glimpse of Indiana’s local culture but also a moment of festivity and warmth amid the hustle and bustle of holiday travel. Indianapolis International Airport has become a hub for creating memorable moments, allowing people to experience the city’s vibrant community spirit before they even land.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
As the busiest airport in the U.S., Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL) is poised to experience massive holiday traffic. With its extensive international and domestic flight network, ATL serves as a central hub for travelers flying to and from the Southeast U.S.. It is projected to handle hundreds of thousands of passengers every day during the holiday rush.
The airport’s 24-hour operations and strategic location as a hub for Delta Airlines make it a critical point of passage for both business and leisure travelers. ATL is expected to be extremely crowded, with long lines at security checkpoints and increased wait times at baggage claim.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
As a gateway to the West Coast, LAX is another key airport to watch. With direct flights to international destinations and numerous domestic routes, LAX will be seeing travelers flying in from all over the world. Whether it’s tourists heading to California for a vacation or families traveling home for the holidays, LAX will be jam-packed.
Expect delays, especially during the pre-Christmas rush and the days leading up to New Year’s Eve. Travelers should arrive at least 3 hours early to ensure they can make it through the security lines and gate boarding.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Known for its high traffic volume, Chicago O’Hare is expected to be another major hub of holiday travel. With strong domestic connections and international routes to Europe, Asia, and South America, ORD is set to see high passenger numbers over the festive period.
Expect a lot of connecting flights as travelers make their way to destinations throughout the Midwest and beyond. Be prepared for busy terminals, and consider using airport apps to track flight delays.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
New York’s JFK is another major player in U.S. holiday air travel. With its position as the primary international gateway into the U.S. from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, JFK will see a huge influx of travelers. With events like the Thanksgiving Day parade and Christmas shopping in Manhattan, travelers flock to JFK for both business and leisure trips.
JFK’s terminals are expected to be crowded, and travelers should anticipate long security lines, especially for international flights. Arriving early is crucial to ensure smooth navigation through the airport.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Denver International Airport is seeing growing traffic and will be a major destination for winter travelers heading to Colorado’s ski resorts or other mountainous areas. DEN’s extensive U.S. network and proximity to major tourist destinations make it a popular spot for both holiday visitors and business travelers.
Given the winter weather, travelers should be mindful of potential delays due to snowstorms, which are common in December. It’s also wise to check your flight’s status before heading to the airport.
What’s Driving the Traffic Surge in 2025?
Rising Demand for Domestic and International Travel
There’s a clear trend of increased air travel during the 2025 holiday season. According to AAA, travel demand in 2025 is expected to be higher than pre-pandemic levels, with more families and business travelers seeking to reconnect over the holidays. This surge in air travel is driven by a combination of pent-up demand, easier travel restrictions, and wider flight availability.
Increased International Flights
While domestic air travel continues to be the dominant force during the holidays, international travel is also experiencing a significant increase. U.S. citizens traveling to Europe, the Caribbean, and Asia are driving this growth, and airports like JFK and LAX will be key gateways for these international visitors.
More Seasonal Flights to Popular Destinations
Airlines are adding seasonal routes to holiday hotspots like Florida, Hawaii, and New York. These cities, already popular for vacationers, see increased interest during the winter holidays as people seek to escape colder weather or enjoy special seasonal events like New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square.
How to Travel Smart During the Christmas Rush
Arrive Early to Avoid Stress
Given the expected high volumes of travelers, it’s essential to arrive at the airport early—especially for international and long-haul flights. The TSA and airlines recommend arriving at least 2–3 hours prior to your flight. This will give you enough time to get through security, check-in, and avoid the holiday rush.
Check Flights Early and Be Flexible
With potential delays and cancellations during the busiest travel times, it’s always smart to monitor your flight status through apps like FlightAware or your airline’s mobile app. If you can, be flexible with your travel dates—flights during peak days like December 23–24 or December 26–30 tend to be more crowded and expensive.
Use Secondary Airports Where Possible
If you can, consider flying into or out of secondary airports. For example, London Gatwick (LGW) offers lower fares and less congestion than London Heathrow (LHR). Similarly, Orange County (SNA) in California might offer easier access than Los Angeles (LAX).
Secondary airports often provide better parking options, shorter queues, and smoother experiences—especially if you’re flying during peak holiday periods.
Conclusion: Preparing for a Record-Breaking Christmas in the Skies
As Christmas 2025 approaches, airports across the U.S. are preparing for what is expected to be the busiest holiday travel season in years. From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta to Los Angeles International and John F. Kennedy International, these major airports will see record passenger numbers, driven by the growing demand for both domestic and international travel.
While the holiday rush can be stressful, smart planning—such as arriving early, using secondary airports, and staying flexible with your flight dates—can help you navigate the crowds. With advanced flight tools and airlines’ extra capacity, travelers will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season, whether they’re visiting family or heading out on a tropical getaway.
By staying prepared and informed, 2025 holiday travelers can make the most of their festive travels and enjoy a stress-free journey through some of the busiest airports in the world.
The post Indianapolis Joins Los Angeles, Denver, John F. Kennedy, Chicago O’ Hare and More US Airports to Embrace Record Breaking Air Travel as America Prepares For Busiest Ever Christmas and New Year Holiday Surge, Supercharging Tourism Economy, New Findings are Here in This Report appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
