DALLAS — As the Dallas-Fort Worth area is the largest metropolitan area in the path of totality for the total solar eclipse on April 8, local airports are preparing for an influx of travelers for the biggest celestial event of the century.
The Federal Aviation Administration is warning airports within the path of totality to prepare for more traffic.
“There may be a higher traffic volume than normally anticipated at airports along the path of the eclipse,” the FAA says. “Traffic should anticipate delays during peak traffic periods. Parking may be limited – particularly at the smaller, uncontrolled airports.”
Totality is expected to be reached in DFW at 1:40 p.m. April 8, and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Dallas Love Field say they’re ready.
“DFW Airport expects to welcome potentially thousands of visitors from around the country who are traveling to the DFW region specifically to view the eclipse,” a DFW airport spokesperson said. “The airport’s rental car partners, for example, have told us they expect to have the busiest days on record for car rentals around the time of the eclipse.”
Love Field says they plan to increase staffing, supply stocking, and monitoring of facilities, parking, and traffic as necessary for the eclipse.
“As with any busy period, the airport advises early arrivals of at least 90 minutes before departure to account for potential congestion in parking, roadside traffic, check-in and security screening,” a Love Field spokesperson added.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) also says major corridors in the path of totality, including I-35, I-45, I-10, U.S. 87, U.S. 90, U.S. 281, U.S. 290 and more, could experience traffic congestion with up to four times the amount of traffic of normal rush hours in some areas during the eclipse.
“We recommend people arrive early to their eclipse viewing destination and leave late to avoid the largest traffic impacts,” a TxDOT spokesperson said. “We also suggest people plan their routes in advance and to have a backup route in case of congestion.”
To view TxDOT’s eclipse travel guide, click here.