ATLANTA — Officials at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport want to prevent the non-flying general public from accessing the terminal at all times.
On Wednesday, the Atlanta City Council transportation committee voted to change the loitering ordinance for the Atlanta airport. In 2018, the world's busiest airport announced that it would close its doors from 11 p.m. to 4:30 a.m. to all but ticketed passengers and their parties, airport personnel and construction crews.
Airport officials said in a 2018 statement that the change came "as a result of an increasing volume of passengers, visitors, and ongoing ATLNext construction projects at the Airport's campus."
Officials said the new hours would improve safety during overnight construction periods and provide maintenance and custodial teams with access to high-volume areas for upkeep and cleaning.
According to the Associated Press, that policy was codified into law in 2021, and now officials want to expand the hours of restricted access to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In a statement, the airport said, "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."
The new restrictions are being sought as the airport deals with luggage thefts and complaints about unauthorized drivers soliciting passengers, the Associated Press reported.
The measure next goes to the full council for a final vote.
The 11Alive Speed Feed offers a curated experience of top local stories we’re following right now on all our platforms, delivered right to your inbox every day at noon. Our goal is to help you feel informed, even if you only have five minutes. Sign up here.