Wednesday,
September 12, 2001
DOT
95-01
Contact:
Chet Lunner
Tel.:
(202) 366-4570
AIRPORTS
TO REMAIN CLOSED, MINETA SAYS
Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta has
announced the Federal Aviation Administration will allow a limited reopening of
the nation’s commercial airspace system in order to allow flights that were
diverted yesterday to continue to their original destinations.
The Secretary also announced that the FAA is
temporarily extending the ground stop order imposed yesterday while additional
security measures are being completed.
“Safety is always of paramount importance, and in
these extraordinary times we intend to be vigilant,” Mineta said. “We remain
committed to resuming commercial flights as soon as possible.
“As the President said last night, these despicable
terrorist attacks have shaken the foundation of our greatest buildings, but have
not shaken the foundation of this great nation,” the Secretary said.
“As America watches the efforts of our heroic
emergency responders and rescue personnel, we keep the victims and their
families in our prayers,” he also said.
Mineta said the FAA would permit flights today only
in special limited circumstances. Flights
diverted as a result of yesterday’s order will be allowed to continue to their
original destination under vastly tightened security guidelines. Only passengers
on the original flights will be allowed to re-board, and only after airports and
airlines have implemented strict screening measures. Airlines will also be
allowed to reposition empty aircraft, he said.
Mineta said a variety of stepped-up security measures
will be instituted at the airports once they re-open.
These measures include:
A
thorough search and security check of all airplanes and airports before
passengers are allowed to enter and board aircraft.
We
will discontinue curbside check-in at the airport.
We would ask that all passengers go to the ticket counters to check
in.
We
will also discontinue off-airport check in.
We can no longer allow passengers to check in for their flights at
hotels or other venues. Passengers
must check in at the airports.
We
must reserve boarding areas for passengers only.
Only ticketed passengers will be allowed to proceed past airport
screeners to catch their flights.
Vehicles
near airport terminals will be monitored more closely.
“I know all Americans want us to move as quickly
and prudently as possible to return our transportation system to normal,”
Mineta said, “and we will as soon as we can do so safely.”
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