MEA weekend will see a busier MSP Airport

Passenger levels are expected to be higher than last year, though not at pre-pandemic highs

Oct 20, 20210

David Joles, Star Tribune count

Families made their way through Terminal 1 on Tuesday at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. A long weekend of teacher conferences has prompted many families to take to the skies.

What officials call a "multiday passenger spike" is expected this week at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, as travelers take to the skies during the annual MEA conference break for state educators and students.

Airport officials say traffic at MSP could be just as busy as popular flying days during the summer and over the winter holidays. The MEA break, which begins Wednesday and lasts through the weekend, is typically a busy stretch at the airport - and early signs indicate that Minnesotans are anxious to travel again.

"Last year, we were heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic during MEA weekend," according to a statement from Brian Ryks, CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC), which operates MSP. "This year, some days are forecast to nearly double the number of travelers at MSP compared to MEA weekend in 2020.

https://www.startribune.com/mea-weekend-will-see-a-busier-msp-airport/600107998/