Latest news with #OliviaTyler
Axios
22-05-2025
- Axios
XNA forecasts Memorial Day 'busier than ever'
Memorial Day travel is projected to beat a 20-year-old record high this year, according to AAA data released Monday. "We imagine that this Memorial Day weekend will be busier than ever," Northwest Arkansas National Airport spokesperson Olivia Tyler told Axios. Why it matters: Americans' deep pessimism about the economy isn't deterring them from traveling to celebrate the unofficial start of the summer season. "Despite concerns over rising prices, many Americans say they're taking advantage of the long holiday weekend to spend time with loved ones, even if the trips are closer to home," AAA said in a statement. By the numbers: 45.1 million people are projected to travel at least 50 miles from home between May 22 and May 26. That's an increase of 1.4 million travelers from last year and surpasses the record 44 million people who traveled in 2005. Zoom in: "2025 has been a record-breaking year for XNA, and we predict that Memorial Day Weekend will not be any different," Tyler said. The number of people going through the airport's TSA checkpoint for the three-day weekend was up 27% from 2022 to 2024 — from almost 8,300 to more than 10,500. Zoom out: 87% of Memorial Day travelers, or 39.4 million people, are choosing to take road trips this year, per AAA. Air travel will increase 2% over last year at 3.61 million air passengers but isn't predicted to set a new record. 2.08 million people are expected to travel by train, bus or cruise over the holiday weekend. Our thought bubble, from Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick: Americans keep breaking travel records in the post-pandemic period, either to keep making up for lost time during COVID or, now, to get ahead of potential rising prices over the next few months. What we're watching: Summertime airfare costs are down.
Axios
15-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Real ID rules aren't holding up travelers, XNA says
Northwest Arkansas National Airport is seeing "minimal" passengers not in compliance with newly enforced identification rules, spokesperson Olivia Tyler told Axios. Catch up quick: The federal government set a hard deadline of May 7 for when airports must require enhanced identification like a Real ID, passport or military ID card to board a domestic flight when a standard drivers license or state ID previously sufficed. But on May 6, the Department of Homeland Security announced those not in compliance would still be able to fly after undergoing extra steps to verify their identities with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). State of play: XNA has a contractor asking travelers at the security checkpoint if they have a Real ID, passport or military ID and directing them to TSA if they do not have those forms of ID, Tyler said. Overall, it's going smoothly and the airport is not seeing lines backed up because of the new rules, she said. The latest: Arkansas has issued about 39,000 Real IDs in the past week, bringing the total of active Real IDs in the state to 901,531, Scott Hardin, spokesperson for the state's department of finance and administration, told Axios. "We have remained in contact with our vendor that prints the REAL ID cards. We reached capacity in our inventory at a couple of offices last week and had to direct customers to nearby offices," Hardin said in an email. "However, we refreshed that inventory the following day."
Axios
07-04-2025
- Business
- Axios
XNA amenities expand as construction nears finish
Northwest Arkansas National Airport is still a bit of a construction zone as the transportation hub has been working to accommodate more travelers and expected growth in recent years. The big picture: Airport officials aim to finish terminal modernization in early 2026, spokesperson Olivia Tyler told Axios. The updated baggage claim area is already up and running. Work continues on adding elevators and escalators plus renovating police and TSA offices in the lobby, and construction is wrapping up on a larger air traffic control tower to provide more visibility for air traffic controllers. The expanded economy parking lot should be finished this summer, offering about 1,000 extra spaces, Tyler said, noting the airport was tight on parking over Spring Break. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art satellite gallery also remains under construction. Zoom out: XNA recently opened a paid lounge with food and drinks, as well as vending machines stocked with diapers, wipes and formula in some women's and men's restrooms.
