Thursday, September 13, 2001
Contact: Chet Lunner
Tel.: 202/366-4570
DOT:
96-01
Statement of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y.
Mineta
Secretary of
Transportation Norman Y. Mineta has ordered the national airspace system
re-opened to commercial aviation, effective at 11 a.m. Eastern time
Thursday.
The
Secretary’s decision was made after a series of meetings throughout the day and
night Wednesday with White House and
Cabinet officials, Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Jane Garvey,
aviation industry leaders, as well as intelligence and law enforcement
representatives.
“The
re-opening of our national airspace is good news for travelers, for the airlines
and for our economy,” Secretary
Mineta said. “But I must caution everyone that a system as diverse and complex
as ours cannot be brought back up instantly. We will re-open airports and resume
flights on a case-by-case basis, only
after they implement our more stringent levels of security. This phased approach
will assure the highest levels of
safety, which remains our primary goal.
“Anyone planning on flying should check with their
airline regarding the level of service and flight schedules, and be sure to
allow plenty of time to deal with our new security procedures. There will be
some inconveniences, but safety will be the first element of our system to be
restored,” the Secretary said.
On Wednesday, Secretary Mineta had approved a limited re-opening of the
system, allowing aircraft diverted during Tuesday’s terrorist attacks to
continue to their destinations or be repositioned in anticipation of today’s
decision.
At the same
time, he announced a series of heightened security measures, including a ban on
curbside luggage check-in and off-airport passenger check-in. Before being
allowed to re-open, airports must clear their terminals of people and conduct
thorough searches. Once re-opened, airports will feature an increased presence
of law enforcement officers, restricted access beyond the screening area and
other restrictions.
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