February 17th 2024.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has announced some big changes to their bustling terminals. According to reports from the Associated Press, the Atlanta City Council transportation committee has voted to amend the loitering ordinance, which will now prohibit the general public from entering the terminals at any time. This move is part of the airport's efforts to improve safety measures and provide better access for maintenance and cleaning staff during overnight construction periods.
Since the launch of the ATLNext construction projects on the airport campus, the terminal doors have been closed to everyone except ticketed passengers and their companions, airport employees, and construction workers between the hours of 11 pm and 4:30 am. This was done to prevent the homeless community from using the domestic terminal as a place to sleep.
While this policy was officially implemented in 2021, airport officials have now decided to extend the restricted access to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As stated by Hartsfield-Jackson's senior deputy general manager Michael Smith, "We're going to have 24/7 access restrictions for all non-passengers, except for those who are meeting or greeting passengers, employees, and individuals conducting business at the airport."
Frequent flyers are welcoming these changes with open arms and believe that their concerns are finally being taken seriously. Doretha Harris, a traveler, expressed her discomfort with the presence of "uncanny people" at the airport, especially as a senior citizen. Other travelers have also shared their unpleasant experiences at Hartsfield-Jackson, with Tim Cole recounting a time when he was asked for money and witnessed a man exposing himself in the restroom.
It comes as no surprise that over 100 million passengers traveled through the airport in 2023 alone. With an increase in baggage thefts and unauthorized access attempts, airport personnel believe that these new regulations will make passengers feel safer and more welcomed. According to an airport spokesperson, "This legislation aims to clarify who is authorized to enter the airport and enhance our safety and security protocols to create a secure environment for all."
One passenger, Tim Cole, believes that these changes are necessary, especially for women and children traveling alone. He shared his own experience of feeling intimidated and witnessing inappropriate behavior at the airport. "I think it's a good idea to make the airport a safer space, especially for women and kids," he said.
In related news, it was reported that last year, a record number of firearms were discovered at airport security checkpoints. These incidents only further highlight the need for stricter measures and regulations to ensure the safety of all passengers and airport staff.
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