Pittsburgh International Airport officials today urged Monday morning travelers to arrive early for flights in anticipation of big crowds because of Mother's Day and the Pittsburgh Penguins playoff games.

They are expecting as many as 5,000 travelers from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday, rivaling the crowds that passed through the airport after the 2007 U.S. Open golf tournament and the 2006 Major League Baseball All-Star Game and the Monday after Thanksgiving.

They are urging people to arrive at least 90 minutes before their flights during those morning hours. On a typical Monday, the number of travelers passing through security checkpoints is 3,500 to 4,000.

Even with the big crowds, officials don't expect the wait at the checkpoint to average more than 15 minutes.

Also today, the Allegheny County Airport Authority board approved $5 million in final tax increment financing for a warehouse and cargo project off Route 60, near a main airport runway. The money will be used for road and utility work and other site preparation.

Trammel Crow has been awarded a contract to build up to seven warehouses at the site.

More details in tomorrow's Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.