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Indy Airport expects near record crowds this weekend

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – TSA increased staffing at the Indianapolis International Airport in anticipation of large crowds of racing fans this weekend.

There are more bomb sniffing dogs at work, too, because the number of passengers coming in and out of Indianapolis will approach a record.

The current record was set on the day after the Super Bowl in 2012. Travel on Monday is expected to make it the second busiest in Indianapolis airport history.

TSA is preparing for over 17,000 passengers on the day after the race. That’s a 32 percent increase over the average Monday and a 16 percent increase over Memorial Day a year ago.

Several incoming travelers on Friday reported no problems on the way here.

They’re looking forward to the race.

“We’re looking forward to it,” said Brad Adams of Charleston, SC, who arrived with his wife, Eleanor.

“My first time,” said Art Corwin, who flew in from New Jersey. “Was on my bucket list and my three children and their significant others gave this to me as my 60th birthday present.”

“They’ve all been very complimentary about how easy it’s been to get in here, and how their flights have been on time,” said Host Committee volunteer April Parsley. “So far it’s looking really good for the weekend.”

TSA is warning passengers to arrive as much as two hours early for Monday and Tuesday flights.

“It means people have to come prepared, make sure that they don’t have any prohibited items,” said Aaron Batt of TSA. “Planning is usually the best prevention.”

TSA says it will have 25 to 30 extra screeners on hand over the weekend. Those extra screeners will be working overtime.