The Kentucky Derby, a hallmark event in U.S. horse racing, typically draws over 150,000 spectators to Louisville on the first Saturday of May. This influx of fans significantly impacts air travel to the city, with Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) experiencing a surge in flights.
Normally recognized as a major cargo hub for UPS Airlines, SDF transforms into a bustling passenger airport during this period. In 2023, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipated handling 18,000 departing passengers the day after the race—a record-breaking figure for the airport.
TSA Southeast Regional Spokesperson Mark Howell remarked that "almost every seat is going to be full, so it''s going to be about as much as the airport can handle. "