The United States is set to host several prestigious international sporting events in the coming years, including the 2025 Ryder Cup, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. However, according to a recent report by the U.S. Travel Association, the nation's air travel infrastructure isn't equipped to handle the massive influx of visitors these events will attract.
The report warns that without significant and immediate improvements, the current air travel system will struggle under the pressure of increased demand. The U.S. Travel Association is urging for rapid modernization of air traffic control technologies and solutions to address the shortage of air traffic controllers. They emphasize that this is a critical opportunity for the country to showcase its capabilities on a global stage, but failure to act could lead to significant economic losses.
Geoff Freeman, President and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, stressed the urgency of the situation, stating that the next few years present an unparalleled travel demand that the current systems are simply not ready for. He highlighted the potential for a $100 billion economic boost if the necessary improvements are made, but cautioned that this requires immediate action from Washington. The association has called upon Congress and the President to prioritize improvements to the air travel experience. Their recommendations include securing high-level White House involvement to promote the country during these major events, ensuring efficient visa processing for the 2026 World Cup, and implementing advanced security screening procedures at airports.
Freeman concluded by emphasizing that this is the time for the United States to create a world-class travel system that meets the expectations of both Americans and international visitors.
