Newark Airport Completes Holiday Travel Period With Minimal Disruptions

Newark Liberty International Airport wrapped up its holiday travel season on Sunday. Passengers flooded back into New Jersey after weeks of packed flights and crowded terminals.

AAA had predicted over 8 million air travelers across the country during this stretch. That number included almost 200,000 from New Jersey alone. The New Year signals the close of what airports consider their most chaotic weeks.

Jeff Fischer, one traveler heading back, encountered few holdups on his flight. "Surprisingly, we thought this was going to be the really busiest time of the year," said Fischer, according to News 12 New Jersey. "But smooth as silk."

Weather worried those coming back from Southern states. Fischer's plane originated in Fort Myers, Florida, where temperatures had been much higher.

"We came from Fort Myers, Florida, so it was nice and warm down there," he said. "A little chillier up here, but still, it's good to be home."

Saturday brought problems when the Federal Aviation Administration ordered airlines to cut back on Caribbean-bound flights. A military operation in Venezuela triggered the restriction, which lasted less than a day before officials canceled it.

Nick flew in from Florida and had been tracking the situation. "We were a little concerned because we got the alert on our application about the whole Venezuela thing," said Nick, per News 12 New Jersey. "So we checked social media, we were checking the news and we got the alert that our plane got switched, and it was fine. And we got to our plane without an issue."

Sunday ran without hiccups. Planes landed, gates opened, and travelers retrieved their bags on schedule despite what had happened the day before.