DFW International Airport Keeps Traffic Moving, Air Travel Flowing

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Texas (February 10, 2003) – Armed with stop watches and a keen eye, Airport planners are teaming with DFW Department of Public Safety officers to time vehicle inspections and minimize traffic delays as a result of the enhanced security measures prompted by the "Level Orange" declaration last Friday.

DFW's pre-planning for the "Level Orange" has paid off: passengers are experiencing no delays at the North and South Toll Plazas and are able to use all Terminal Parking except the one-hour parking on the upper level.

Average vehicle inspections are taking eight to ten seconds; random searches are taking two minutes or less. 

DFW is the only airport in the country with the Toll Plaza design, and its strategic location is allowing traffic to continue to flow smoothly on to International Parkway. More than 35,000 vehicles use the plazas everyday. 

"We appreciate the cooperation of our drivers, and we're proud to say we've elevated security during this "Level Orange" event without slowing down our passengers," says Alvy Dodson, vice president of public safety at DFW. "Keeping our guests safe and allowing them to get swiftly to their parking lot and their flight is a team effort, and we're seeing the positive results now."

More than 12,000 close-in parking spaces remain open in the four terminal garages. The Airport's close planning with the TSA kept the vast majority of the garage spaces open, and enhanced patrols and surveillance continue. Approximately 1,300 of the one-hour spaces are currently closed.

DFW was the first airport in the country to test its "Level Orange" preparedness and parking plans on January 23. The Transportation Security Administration has mandated airports nationwide have plans to check vehicles using close-in lots.

Drivers are urged to be on the look out for special signage, traffic cones and police officers in the area. 

More information is available on the Airport's web site, www.dfwairport.com

Located halfway between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, DFW International Airport is the world's third busiest, offering nearly 2,000 flights per day and serving 55 million passengers a year. DFW International Airport provides non-stop service to 132 domestic and 31 international destinations worldwide.

Editor's Notes: This release, and past news releases issued by DFW International Airport, are available online at www.dfwairport.com in the “MediaSite” section.

For the latest news, real-time flight information, parking availability or further details regarding the many services provided at DFW International Airport, log on to www.dfwairport.com. To arrange interviews contact DFW Public Affairs at 972 574 NEWS (6397) or Ken Capps, APR, Vice President Public Affairs, kcapps@dfwairport.com