Going to Newark Liberty Airport? You won’t get in unless you work there or are getting on a flight, starting Tuesday.
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey officials announced the immediate change Tuesday afternoon to restrict access to the region’s three major airports -- Newark, LaGuardia, and JFK. Blame the coronavirus and the effects it has had on air travel.
Only ticketed passengers, airport employees, and those who are a vendor, contractor or doing authorized business will be allowed in the terminal, officials said.
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The change comes after Port Authority officials detailed last week how they are shutting down portions of its facilities to save money as COVID-19 travel restrictions have caused ridership declines affecting air travel, PATH rail ridership and traffic at the authority’s’ bridges and tunnels.
Officials said traffic at airports is down between 95 and 97% and have worked with the Transportation Security Administration and airlines to consolidate airport operations.
Port Authority police will ask people entering the airport for proof they have business there, such as an airline ticket, boarding pass, flight reservation or other document showing they are taking a flight departing from that airport.
Employees could be asked for an airport identification card or employee ID. Contractors and vendors also would have to produce documentation, officials said.
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Larry Higgs may be reached at [email protected].
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