US airports face unprecedented travel surge

A new report from the Commission on Seamless and Secure Travel highlights the need for urgent reforms to the US air travel system as the country prepares for an unprecedented surge in global travel demand.

With major events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, peak travel days are expected to double by 2028, straining an already overburdened system.

“America is staring at a historic opportunity–the question is whether we will seize the moment or fall maddeningly short,” said Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the US Travel Association. “The next several years will bring unprecedented travel demand that our systems are not prepared to handle. Washington has a small window to fix major travel pain points and unlock a US$100 billion economic opportunity–but it will require a level of urgency that has been missing in recent years.”

The report underscores that the current airport infrastructure and screening technology are not equipped to handle this surge. Without immediate action, security bottlenecks, operational inefficiencies, and traveller frustration could undermine the US travel system’s ability to support major events.

The roadmap outlined in the report calls for a significant modernisation of airport security and processing systems. Key recommendations include:

• Transforming TSA Screening: Investment in advanced security technology to allow passengers to keep shoes, belts, and jackets on. This would also enable travellers to carry larger liquid containers and leave laptops in their bags.
• Strengthening airport borders: Biometric solutions and advanced screening processes to streamline entry and exit procedures while ensuring security integrity.
• Modernising air traffic control: Addressing critical shortages in air traffic controllers and updating control technology to improve efficiency and reduce delays.
• Expedited visa processing: Ensuring adequate consular staffing and leveraging data-driven solutions to expedite visa approvals and screening.

Kevin McAleenan, former Acting Secretary of Homeland Security and Chair of the Commission, reinforced the importance of collaboration.

“With the recommendations to increase security and enhance facilitation with smart technology investments, process improvements, and government and private sector collaboration, we have an incredible opportunity to enhance our travel system and welcome additional visitors,” he said.

The report also calls for an end to the diversion of the Passenger Security Fee and increased funding for technology upgrades. By making strategic investments, the goal is to ensure that within five years, all travellers can pass through checkpoints with fewer restrictions, improving both efficiency and security.

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