[JYO] FAA Statement

Wednesday, September 12, 2001  
3:45 p.m. (EST)       
Contact: Chet Lunner
Tel.: (202) 366-4570
DOT 93-01  



For immediate release 



Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta has announced the Federal 
Aviation Administration will allow a limited reopening of the nation’s 
commercial airspace system in order to allow flights that were diverted 
yesterday to continue to their original destinations.  

The Secretary also announced that the FAA is temporarily extending the ground 
stop order imposed yesterday while additional security measures are being 
completed.  

“Safety is always of paramount importance, and in these extraordinary times 
we intend to be vigilant,” Mineta said. “We remain committed to resuming 
commercial flights as soon as possible. 

“As the President said last night, these despicable terrorist attacks have 
shaken the foundation of our greatest buildings, but have not shaken the 
foundation of this great nation,” the Secretary said. 

“As America watches the efforts of our heroic emergency responders and rescue 
personnel, we keep the victims and their families in our prayers,” he also 
said. 

Mineta said the FAA would permit flights today only in special limited 
circumstances. Flights diverted as a result of yesterday’s order will be 
allowed to continue to their original destination under vastly tightened 
security guidelines. Only passengers on the original flights will be allowed 
to re-board, and only after airports and airlines have implemented strict 
screening measures. Airlines will also be allowed to reposition empty 
aircraft, he said. 

Mineta said a variety of stepped-up security measures will be instituted at 
the airports once they re-open. These measures include: 

- A thorough search and security check of all airplanes and airports before 
passengers are allowed to enter and board aircraft. 

- We will discontinue curbside check-in at the airport. We would ask that all 
passengers go to the ticket counters to check in. 

- We will also discontinue off-airport check in. We can no longer allow 
passengers to check in for their flights at hotels or other venues. 
Passengers must check in at the airports. 

- We must reserve boarding areas for passengers only. Only ticketed 
passengers will be allowed to proceed past airport screeners to catch their 
flights. 

- Vehicles near airport terminals will be monitored more closely. 

“I know all Americans want us to move as quickly and prudently as possible to 
return our transportation system to normal,” Mineta said, “and we will as 
soon as we can do so safely.”

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