Thanksgiving Day is a holiday that celebrates gratitude and giving. While the holiday is on November 28th, the busiest travel days of the year are the Tuesday and Wednesday leading up to “Thanksgiving Thursday.”
With peak season in place for the general aviation industry, it is wise for travelers to plan ahead and book their flights.
During the week of Thanksgiving, these top four airports see the largest surge in flights.
Here is what you need to know when operating in these locations:
[IATA: TEB | ICAO: KTEB] – Teterboro Airport
Located 12 miles from Manhattan in the New Jersey Meadowlands area, Teterboro Airport (TEB) is the principal and most convenient base for private aircraft in the greater New York City area.
The airport operates 24/7, while U.S. Customs is open between 0700L and 2330L. TEB is considered as a general aviation reliever airport, with 19 hangars on property. The airport does not permit operations of any aircraft in excess of 100,000 pounds.
Hangars and tie-downs are available parking arrangements at TEB. Slots are not required. Ground transportation from Teterboro Airport is available through car and taxi services.
Late Autumn in this region brings in temperature drops and moderate wind chills. Expect temperatures in the low 40-50°F (5-10°C), with possible cloudy skies and light rainfall.
NOTE:
Anticipate higher flight volumes and traffic congestion delays due to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 28. Alternative airports include JFK/KJFK and LGA/KLGA.
[IATA: OPF | ICAO: KOPF] – Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport
Designated as a reliever to Miami International Airport (MIA), Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport (OPF) is located 8 miles North of MIA, 13 miles NW of the city center and 5 miles from the Hard Rock Stadium. OPF is also 30 minutes from Downtown Miami and Miami Beach.
The airport operates 24/7 with U.S. Customs on the airfield operating from 0900L to midnight local time – a one-hour advance notification is required through ATC (extended hours available upon a three-hour advance request). Control tower hours run from 0700L-2300L.
OPF does not require slots and features no landing fees. Hangars and tie-downs available for parking. Ground transportation services are available for scheduling from OPF. Expect partly cloudy skies in Miami with temperatures in the mid 70-80°F (21-26°C).
NOTE:
The airport is also home to the busiest U.S. Coast Guard Air/Sea Rescue Station.
Standby airports include TMB/KTMB and FXE/KFXE.
[IATA: HNL | ICAO: PHNL] – Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), formerly known as Honolulu International Airport, is the primary aviation gateway for Honolulu, Oahu in the state of Hawaii.
Located just 6 miles from downtown Honolulu, HNL has four active runways, including the 12,000-foot Reef Runway which is the world’s first major runway built entirely offshore.
The airport and control tower, as well as U.S. customs, operate 24/7. HNL has no landing fees; slots are not required and only tie-downs are available for parking. Ground transportation from HNL can be arranged based on availability. Anticipate pleasant temperatures in mid to low 80°F (26°C), with partly cloudy/windy skies.
NOTE:
HNL is the largest and most utilized airport in the state of Hawaii. Expect higher than average flight volumes and delays over Thanksgiving week.
[IATA: ORL | ICAO: KORL] – Orlando Executive Airport
Conveniently located 3 miles from downtown Orlando’s business district and 14 miles from world-renowned theme parks, hotels and resorts, Orlando Executive Airport (ORL) is the ideal spot to land en route to any of these destinations.
ORL is open 24 hours, with the air traffic control tower operating from 0700L to 2200L and U.S. Customs operating from 0830L to 1700L. The airport also features full ILS capability.
Hangars and tie-downs are available for parking and slots are not necessary. Ground transportation is available and can be scheduled from ORL. Anticipate breezy and relatively cool temperatures in the mid to low 50-70°F (10-21°C), with partly cloudy skies and light rainfall.
NOTE:
Brace for an expected record number of travelers to Orlando this Thanksgiving holiday season. MCO/KMCO serves as an alternative airport.
*All foreign aircraft require a TSA waiver and eAPIS filing for Customs and Border Protection approval, depending on the nature of flight and/or size of the aircraft.
Jetex can arrange fuel service and flight planning for you. Send in your fuel, ground handling and permit requests ASAP. Parking will be limited during Thanksgiving week.
For transportation assistance, plan ahead and contact Jetex at info@jetex.com or call +1 305 306 4000.
