Watch: Demolition begins on Concourse A at Memphis International Airport
Demolition started at Concourse A at the Memphis International Airport on July 8, 2025.
- Memphis International Airport officials do not expect the government shutdown to impact operations.
- An estimated 51,000 travelers are expected during the fall break period, a 6% increase from last year.
- Travelers are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their departure time.
As Memphis International Airport gears up for one of its busiest travel periods, officials aren’t expecting any impact from the government shutdown.
Glen Thomas is the communications director for the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority. He said the airport remains under normal operations with no significant shutdown-related impact.
“The Airport Authority continues to be in communication with federal agencies about any potential impacts here,” he said.
A Transportation Security Administration (TSA) spokesperson recently told The Commercial Appeal that approximately 61,000 of the agency’s 64,000 employees are considered excepted or exempt, noting TSA will continue operations to keep the traveling public safe.
Even though TSA was prepared for a shutdown, the spokesperson said a longer shutdown could lead to increased delays for travelers.
“While TSA is prepared to continue screening about 2.5 million passengers a day, an extended shutdown could mean longer wait times at airports,” the spokesperson said. “We kindly ask for our passengers’ patience during this time. Despite this challenge, we will remain vigilant and focused on performing our vital security mission on behalf of the American people.”
What to expect at Memphis International Airport during fall break
TSA expects an estimated 51,000 people to pass through the checkpoint at Memphis International Airport during the fall break travel period that will run from Oct. 9-13, according to a news release. The anticipated 51,000 people is expected to be an increase of about 6% compared to fall break travel a year ago. Officials anticipate the peak days or periods of unusually high demand for flights to be Oct. 9, 10 and 12, with 11,000 people projected to pass through the checkpoint each day.
When it comes to the busy fall break travel cycle, Thomas told The Commercial Appeal that the most comparable travel period is spring break, which is also five days. For comparison, Thomas noted the airport screened about 47,400 people during the 2025 spring break period, so this year’s fall break is expected to exceed that.
“Travel periods will vary depending on their length,” he said. “For example, Thanksgiving and Christmas travel periods are much longer, so those estimates will be a lot larger.”
Tips for traveling through Memphis International Airport during fall break
Here are some tips from Memphis International for those traveling throught the airport during the fall break period.
- The airport recommends that travelers arrive at the airport a minimum of 2 hours before their scheduled departure time. This is especially important for travelers with early flights between 4 a.m. to 7 a.m.
- Prior to coming to the airport, passengers can also save time by checking in online via their airline’s website.
- Passengers should check directly with their airlines to monitor schedules.
- Airlines — not the airport — are responsible for all aspects of ticketing, scheduling, gate operations and baggage handling. Check with your airline if you have questions about these areas.
- Memphis International Airport parking lots are likely to periodically reach capacity. When this occurs, additional signage will be added, and additional parking staff will help direct drivers to available parking spots.
- Drivers parking in the blue or yellow lots may want to drop off other passengers and their luggage at the terminal before parking.
- Shuttles are operating between the blue and yellow parking lots and the terminal.
- TSA uses Computed Tomography (CT) equipment at Memphis International Airport. With the improved security capabilities of CT equipment at the MEM checkpoints, passengers can now leave their laptop computers, electronic devices and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in their carry-on bags for screening.
- There are size limitations for these CT units, and all items must fit into the grey divesting bins. The height of the item must not exceed the CT tunnel height. Nothing can be placed directly on the moving belts. All oversized bags must be checked at the airline ticket counters and will not be accepted for screening at any TSA checkpoint.
Corey Davis is the Collierville and Germantown reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Corey.Davis@commercialappeal.com or 901-293-1610.
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