St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport will operate over 300 flights during Thanksgiving week, approximately 60 more than its typical weekly capacity of 250, interim director Mark Sprague announced Thursday.

The airport’s four parking lots are expected to reach capacity during the holiday period, with the paved long-term lot anticipated to fill by Tuesday and economy lots by Wednesday. The airport currently has no online system for checking parking availability.

Sprague recommended travelers arrange alternative transportation during peak travel days next week. The airport has 14 gates and will operate at full capacity with continuous activity throughout each day, he said.

PIE has experienced 15% growth over the past 12 months. Aviation consultant Kari Goetz attributed the expansion of smaller airports like PIE to ultra-low-cost carriers, which are drawn to lower operating costs than at larger hubs.

The airport is developing plans for a parking garage that would add 1,700 spaces, pending county commission approval, with a potential opening in 2027.

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