Burning Man attendees arriving in private planes at temporary airport

Despite a drop in ticket sales, wealthy individuals are still attending Burning Man in style, arriving in private planes at a temporary airport within the festival. The airport sees about 500 takeoffs and landings a day, with professional air traffic controllers ensuring safety. The airfield is rolled and watered nightly to maintain safety and reduce dust. Scenic flights are also offered for free to participants as part of the festival's trade economy.

Air Travel in the U.S.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration screened a record number of airline passengers in a single day, with expectations of high travel volume during the 2024 Independence Day period. Major U.S. airlines are forecasting record summer travel, with an increase in daily flights and passengers compared to the previous year. The Federal Aviation Administration is facing challenges with a shortage of air traffic controllers, leading to concerns about congestion and delays at New York City-area airports.

Record Airline Passenger Screenings in the U.S.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened a record 2.95 million airline passengers on a single day, coinciding with the Memorial Day weekend that marks the beginning of the U.S. summer travel season. Major U.S. airlines are forecasted to transport a record 271 million passengers this summer, up 6.3% from last year.