September 13, 2001

Flights Resume At Greater Binghamton AirportNew FAA Regulations in Place: Air Travel in the U.S. "Will Never Be the Same"

JOHNSON CITY, NY - Broome County Executive Jeffrey P. Kraham announced today, at approximately 12:00 p.m. EST, that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gave clearance to resume operations at the Greater Binghamton Airport.

All operations at BGM and throughout the nation had been ordered shut down by the FAA immediately following the bombings of the World Trade Center in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.

The Department of Aviation had met all of the new security requirements put in place by the FAA and will resume their normal operating schedule.

"Our airport and law enforcement officials have worked very hard to implement a number of new heightened security measures in a very limited time frame," said Mr. Kraham. "These measures will help ensure that our airport is ready to move forward in a manner which will protect our passengers safety and security."

Among the new measures, which will take effect immediately and remain in place indefinitely include:

• Increased law enforcement patrols and presence at the Greater Binghamton Airport.
• Increased monitoring of vehicles near the passenger terminal building and the closure of the airport's short-term parking lot.
• No unattended vehicles curbside at the passenger terminal building.
• Increased random screening of passengers and additional random identification checks.

The resumption of commercial air service will be a difficult task at airports across the nation as a result of Tuesday's tragedies. "To bring the national air traffic system back on line is a sizeable task," said Mr. Kraham. "Air travel in the United States will never be the same. The community will need to be patient as normal air traffic services are restored to full level."

Passengers are reminded not to come to the airport until they have confirmed their new flight reservations.

In order to reduce frustrations and inconveniences, passengers should be vigilant in contacting the airlines' reservations lines and websites.

Contact information, schedules and flight status for the airlines serving the Greater Binghamton Airport can be found on Broome County's website, www.gobroomecounty.com and by clicking on the Greater Binghamton Airport icon.

Passengers should also expect longer check-in and security clearance time. Accordingly, passengers should arrive at the airport well in advance of their departure and make sure that they have proper photo identification.

"Broome County is doing everything in it's power to ensure that travel plans run smoothly and safely," added Mr. Kraham. "Everyone's patience and cooperation is greatly appreciated."

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