ABIA briefing commission on F1 plans

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Austin-Bergstrom International Airport's Aviation Department is presenting updates to the Airport Advisory Commission on preparations for the Formula One race days.

They meet Tuesday at 4 p.m.

With F1 just a little more than a month away, the airport is gearing up for that weekend--no doubt expected to be a busy one.

The Airport Advisory Commission will learn about some of the changes and additions.

ABIA is taking advantage of the thousands of extra people passing through; they're ramping up advertising on the grounds.

Along Presidential Boulevard, all the light posts will have banners with ads on them.

With more flights coming in and going out, ABIA is implementing an aircraft reservation system for chartered flights and other flights that aren't based at the airport.

Officials say while they expect arrivals for F1 weekend to come in gradually, the really busy time will be when everyone leaves Austin.

For instance, they expect as many as 5,000 rental cars to be returned the Monday following the race.

And another consideration for ABIA: The busy F1 week comes on the cusp of one of the busiest travels times of the year.

"You have this event, bringing in thousands of extra people, coming in right as Thanksgiving begins. So, it's going to make that whole week a really really busy time at the airport," said ABIA spokesman Jim Halbrook.