BIG FLATS – With the arrival of spectators, drivers, crews, and media for the Helluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at the Glen today, the Elmira Corning Regional Airport is gearing up for its busiest day of the year.  Airport Manager Ann Crook is expecting 1,201 passengers to pass through the terminal today. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race weekend at Watkins Glen International will begin today and run through Sunday.

“We typically see around 590 passengers on any given day so this surge will more than double our daily average,” said Crook.  “In addition to the race traffic, the airport will also have Allegiant flights arriving and departing for Orlando/ Sanford airport as well as a twice per month charter flight to Oklahoma City for natural gas workers.”

“Airport staff have been working hard to put the terminal, parking lot and airfield in a clean and safe condition and we are proud to welcome everyone to ELM,” said County Executive Tom Santulli.  The airport is stocked with 600 extra rental cars and is expecting 70 charter aircraft including two B-727’s and at least seven regional jets to arrive today.  There will also be three aircraft basing at ELM to tow banners over the racetrack throughout the weekend. 

The airport will remain busy through the weekend and USAirways has added an additional flight on Monday to accommodate race fans leaving the area after the race.