ATLANTA — An ordinance passed by the Atlanta City Council back in February limiting entrance access at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport goes into effect Monday.
The airport issued a release on April 22 stating it would begin implementing the new regulations in compliance with the City Council's legislation.
Access will only be allowed at the airport to the following:
- Ticketed passengers
- Airport personnel
- People meeting or greeting passengers
- Workers performing maintenance
- "Others who have legitimate business to conduct at the Airport."
The policy is in effect 24/7, the airport's release stated. It noted that anyone in violation of the policy is "subject to arrest and prosecution."
The ordinance applies to the airport's terminals, parking decks, ATL SkyTrain and Rental Car Center.
"The rationale for the legislation is, first and foremost, safety," the airport release stated. "This legislation enhances ATL’s ongoing work to maintain a secure and safe environment for passengers, workers, and vendors at Hartsfield-Jackson."
Police echoed this, saying safety and security are the priority.
"We are the busiest airport in the world. We have 250,000 to 300,000 people touch down on our campus every day, said Atlanta Police Major Kelly Collier, III, who's the airport section commander.
Collier said the time since the ordinance passed was an educational period. He said implementation started Monday. New signage on the doors to the airport made the new changes clear.
Collier gave examples of how police and customer service representatives will engage people, including asking questions like: "What brings you to the airport today? How can I assist you with getting to the airport safely?"
He said if police learn someone is there for reasons other than than those listed, they have options for them.
"We will provide them services such as Project Hope or offer them off-site MARTA access," Collier outlined.
The policy was scrutinized at the time of its passage by people experiencing homelessness and homeless advocates, arguing the policy was targeting people using the airport as a safe haven. Councilwoman Keisha Waites assured there would be "resources and support services to those individuals that are unsheltered and we have an organization in the airport that will be supporting them."
The new restrictions were also aimed at curbing increasing luggage thefts and complaints about unauthorized drivers soliciting passengers, the Associated Press reported.
Along with luggage thefts, police added they're hoping this will help with auto theft issues happening with cars parked at the airport.
News happens fast. Stream it faster with our re-designed 11Alive+ app.
Watch newscasts, breaking news streams and get the latest sports, weather and VERIFY content -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Available on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. Text "plus" to 404-885-7600 to download 11Alive+ and stream now.