The Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia will limit public access to the airport for the foreseeable future. The goal, according to Atlanta news station WBS-TV 2, is to, “Address the growing unhoused population at the airport” and to improve security protections. The idea is to limit public access to people without a flight or airport-related reason to be in the area.
Here’s what to know about the decision which took effect on April 22.
Improving Safety at the World’s Busiest Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. According to the airport’s website, it sees around 286,000 passengers a day, on average, with more than 2,000 flights arriving and departing daily. As one of the city’s epicenters, complaints from passengers or employees there about panhandling or harassment related to non-travelers at the airport seem to have prompted serious intervention.
Atlanta’s city council first approved the regulation in February. WSB-TV 2 reported that much of its support came from airport employees and travelers wanting safer experiences at the airport.
The city council’s decision rules out panhandling, loitering, or sleeping in the area. The airport’s access will now be limited to passengers with tickets, employees, and contract workers. People meeting passengers and anyone with “legitimate business” at the airport are also allowed inside, according to WSB-TV 2.
Who it Will Impact
The decision will likely affect people who don’t have housing and often find shelter by spending time at the airport. According to the Atlanta Mission, a faith-based nonprofit that has served the city’s homeless population since 1938, more than 2,000 people sleep on the city’s streets each night. Some have found pseudo-shelter, charity, and general interaction at Hartsfield-Jackson, but that option is now null.
The changes will also affect the airport’s Sky Train, parking decks, and even the car rental zone.