DFW International Airport Successfully Tackles Challenges of Level Orange Security Alert

Airport keeps security lines short, passengers flowing in wake of ban on liquids on aircraft

DFW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, TEXAS (August 10, 2005) – Checkpoint lines averaged less than 10 minutes today and passengers reacted calmly and patiently as DFW International Airport successfully implemented a Level Orange alert in the wake of the foiled terrorist plot in the United Kingdom. DFW and its Department of Public Safety (DPS) worked quickly with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, FBI and the Transportation Security Administration to implement new security measures overnight that banned liquids and gels through security checkpoints and aboard aircraft.

DFW has initiated security measures above and beyond federally mandated requirements, as it did after September 11, 2001. DFW DPS has also assigned additional units throughout the Airport, including canine teams, and explosives ordinance officers.

“We at DFW have been well ahead of the curve in this particular situation and the teamwork with our federal partners has been tremendous,” said Kevin Cox, DFW’s chief operating officer. “DFW continues to keep our airport extremely safe while keeping our security lines moving. We appreciate our employees and Ambassadors for working so closely with passengers today and everyone’s vigilance in these difficult times.”

DFW’s 1,900 daily flights had minimal delays as passengers disposed of a variety of liquids and gels at checkpoints. The Airport has rolled out new signage inside the terminals and begun distributing pamphlets at entry plazas to advise passengers on the new security measures that remain in effect.

“The flying public has been tremendous,” said Alvy Dodson, DFW’s vice president of public safety. “Our passengers packed their patience today, and we appreciate it. And we will continue to ask all our passengers and employees to be our eyes and ears in the terminals. If they see something that does not look quite right, we encourage them to call 911 or stop one of our officers.”

Meanwhile DFW will continue to monitor all of its business operations in the coming days to assure minimal impact on businesses in the Airport and travelers.

“Short lines and informed passengers were a tremendous help to our concessionaires today and we will be working closely with all our business people during this alert period to keep them connected to their customers,” said Ken Buchanan, executive vice president of revenue management.

For more information on DFW’s new security procedures, go to dfwairport.com/security.