PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Hundreds traveled by airplane and coach through Philadelphia on Sunday, earning it one of the busiest travel days this getaway period.

“Family members is normally receiving with each other on holidays, that’s what it is,” said Alisa Nanulat of Chicago.

“It was the very first time I had viewed some of them in a year and a 50 %,” stated Kisean Jones of Chestnut Hill. “It was good. It was pleasant to have some of that household time once again. Of course, it can be not typical, it can be not how it was just before COVID, but you have to make the greatest of it.”

Philadelphia Intercontinental Airport officials claimed passenger vacation is up 60% from 2020 but continue to down 19% from 2019.

SEE ALSO: Much more than 1,000 US flights canceled Sunday as airways say COVID circumstances influence flight crews

“I think individuals are seeking to get again to some sense of normalcy even even though there are variants out there,” stated PHL Spokesperson Heather Redfern. “But people having been vaccinated and nevertheless needing masks, and executing items outside wherever they can be distant from people today. I think that’s why you will find been an boost in our journey numbers.”

The fast spread of the omicron variant has some vacationers involved though.

“When we get again you know, I want to dangle out with pals and go back again to faculty and every little thing. And having sick just would make that so much far more of a pain in the butt,” said Kira Chiapelli of Cincinnati.

There have been additional than 2,700 flight cancellations due to the fact Xmas Eve as the current COVID-19 surge has resulted in crew shortages and disrupted numerous airlines throughout the place.

In Philadelphia, officers reported 114 delayed flights and 15 cancellations on Sunday.

At 30th Street Station, weary vacationers said they’re prepared to go again household.

“It can be type of ridiculous for the reason that we have packed a complete great deal of travel into just a few months because we did not travel for 18 months, so we form of overloaded,” mentioned Krista Khone of Rogers, Arkansas.