In a bid to enhance safety and security measures, officials at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport are seeking to tighten restrictions on terminal access, prohibiting the non-flying public from entering the facility at all times.

The initiative, which gained momentum with a recent vote by the Atlanta City Council transportation committee, aims to amend the existing loitering ordinance, originally implemented in 2018. At that time, the airport announced nightly closures from 11 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., limiting access to ticketed passengers, accompanying individuals, airport staff, and construction personnel.

Citing escalating passenger volumes, visitor traffic, and ongoing construction projects under the ATLNext initiative, airport authorities underscored the necessity of these measures. The restricted hours facilitated overnight construction operations, while also facilitating maintenance and custodial efforts in high-traffic areas.

Building upon the ordinance formalized in 2021, officials now propose extending the restricted access period to encompass a full 24-hour cycle, seven days a week. This expansion, the airport states, seeks to bolster safety protocols and delineate authorized entrants, fostering a secure environment for all stakeholders.

The impetus for the heightened restrictions stems from reported incidents of luggage thefts and complaints regarding unauthorized drivers soliciting passengers within the terminal premises, as highlighted by the Associated Press.

Credit: 11 Alive Speed Feed