It has been a busy time for the Ithaca-Tompkins Regional Airport.

It’s an early Christmas surprise for passengers in Ithaca. United Airlines announced they would add another flight to Washington DC.

The addition of flights comes as the airport is in phase one of its reconstruction.

Just two months ago, United decided to add Dulles as a transfer hub from Ithaca. This option replaced the direct flight to Newark.

The newest flight that will be added is a late night. It meaning travelers can go to DC and back all in one day. That flight will be added sometime in April.      

According to United, the Dulles hub allows passengers to fly to over 70 cities and nearly 40 destinations abroad.

But, some customers won't have to wait that long to access an new flight.

American has added a new flight to North Carolina. The ribbon will be cut for that inaugural flight Saturday morning.

Airport Director, Mike Hall said, the DC flight has been a hit. He said every flight has been at max capacity since its first takeoff and landing.

“Obviously a lot of business and a major research university like Cornell involves the national science foundation and Washington based entities," said Hall. "So we’re really happy to take the service we have and add another flight which stretches out the day and gives you more options.”

Hall said airlines usually like to take a quarter before installing a new route. The ribbon cutting for the Charlotte flight is set for around 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

The airport reconstruction is expected to be complete by the end of next year.