One of the World’s Busiest Airports Plans To Stop Non-Flyers From Entering Terminals

Over 100 million passengers traveled through the airport in 2023 alone.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is making major changes to their busy terminals.

The Atlanta City Council transportation committee voted to change the loitering ordinance, stopping the non-flying general public from the terminals at all times, The Associated Press reported. Airport officials are setting new rules to improve safety measures during overnight construction periods and provide access for maintenance and custodial teams to perform high-volume upkeep and cleaning duties.

After the start of ATLNext construction projects on the airport campus, terminal doors were closed between 11 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. to all but ticketed passengers and their parties, airport personnel, and construction crews in 2018. The secured timeslot prevented the homeless community from sleeping in the domestic terminal.

Although the policy was codified into law in 2021, officials are expanding restricted access to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. “We’re going to have 24/7 where we restrict access to the airport to ticketed passengers, those meeting or greeting passengers, those who are employed and those others having ability to do business at the airport,” Hartsfield-Jackson senior deputy general manager Michael Smith said.

Frequent flyers seem to be excited about the new changes and feel their concerns are finally being taken seriously. “It has some uncanny people, so when you’re a senior especially it makes you feel uncomfortable,” traveler Doretha Harris told WSB-TV. Other travelers say they have experienced some horrific things during their time at Hartsfield.

Passenger Tim Cole, who recently visited the airport to pick up his son, said he understands why the changes are being made. “I have been approached a few times for money. Very…kind of intimidating,” Cole admitted. He also said there was a time he witnessed a man in the restroom exposing himself. “He was naked, washing in the sink, just very loud.”

Over 100 million passengers traveled through the airport in 2023 alone. With a rise in the recent number of baggage thefts and attempted access to unauthorized areas, personnel feel the legislation will make more people feel safer and welcomed. “This legislation aims to clarify who is authorized to enter the airport, and enhance our safety and security protocols to maintain a secure environment for all,” an airport spokesperson said.

“I think that is a good idea because for women traveling alone or kids it is intimidating, make it a safer space I think at the airport would be a good start.”