The world's busiest airport, Atlanta International, is taking steps to address safety and security concerns by limiting access to its terminals. The issue arose due to a growing number of homeless individuals seeking shelter in the airport, with reports of hundreds sleeping overnight in the terminals.
As a public property, the airport faced limitations on how law enforcement could address the situation. In response, the city council has revised a loitering ordinance to officially close the airport to the general public 24-7. However, exceptions are made for airport personnel, ticketed passengers, and individuals meeting or seeing off passengers.
For the average traveler, these changes are not expected to have a significant impact. Those conducting business at the airport are still welcome. The primary aim of the revision is to restrict access for homeless individuals, with the possibility of arrest as a last resort.
The revised ordinance empowers officers to approach individuals they suspect of not having legitimate business at the airport. They are first required to ask such individuals to leave voluntarily before considering any enforcement actions.
While the move has raised concerns among advocates for the homeless, city officials emphasize that the focus is on maintaining safety and security at the airport. The intention is not to target homeless individuals but to ensure that those present at the airport have valid reasons for being there.
Atlanta International Airport, like many others across the country, is a bustling hub of activity. The recent measures aim to strike a balance between maintaining public access for legitimate purposes and addressing the challenges posed by unauthorized individuals seeking shelter within the airport premises.
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