AUGUSTA, Ga. – As Masters Week approaches, Augusta is preparing for a significant increase in air traffic. Thousands of visitors from around the world will descend on the city, and the local aviation industry is ready to manage the surge. For one week only, Daniel Field, which typically operates without air traffic controllers, will be bustling with activity as the airport’s control tower is manned by controllers to handle the influx of flights.

During the annual Masters Tournament, Daniel Field becomes a key entry point for private planes and charter flights. Last year, the airport saw more than 500 flights, and officials expect a similar, if not higher, number this year. This dramatic uptick in air traffic makes it essential for the airport to implement special operations to ensure safety and efficiency.

Becky Shealy, the airport manager, compared the coordination required to a finely tuned symphony. “We have a control tower here on the airport. And this is the one week out of the year that it is manned by air traffic controllers. The best analogy that I can use for this week is it’s like a symphony, with the air traffic controllers being the conductors, and everybody has their part to do,” Shealy explained.

The additional air traffic controllers will ensure that operations run smoothly, with crews working around the clock to handle the surge in flights. Although Daniel Field typically handles lighter air traffic, the Masters Week event demands a higher level of coordination to accommodate the stream of private aircraft.

The air traffic increase will begin with light traffic on Sunday, gradually ramping up as the week progresses, with hundreds of aircraft expected to land throughout the event. The presence of air traffic controllers during this time will provide an added layer of safety and organization, ensuring that Augusta’s airport remains prepared for the international spotlight.

As Masters Week kicks off, the teamwork of Augusta Aviation crews will be instrumental in ensuring that air traffic flows as smoothly as the tournament itself, with a well-choreographed effort to welcome visitors to this world-famous event.