Despite recent news reports, the Transportation Security Administration says it has no plans to scrap security checkpoints at 150 smaller airports.
"Contrary to recent media reports, TSA will not be eliminating passenger screening at any federalized U.S. airport," TSA said. "These media reports were based on information from a routine government budget exercise that examines various proposals, and such reporting is misleading and inaccurate. TSA remains committed to improving security, safeguarding our transportation system, and ensuring that over 2.5 million airline passengers get to their destinations safely every day."
As reported earlier in the month by CNN, the agency could stand to save $115 million annually by cutting staff across small and medium-sized airports serving aircraft with 60 seats or less, shifting focus instead on security at larger airports.
Passengers connecting at larger airports would be screened upon arrival, according to the proposal.
“Any potential operational changes to better allocate limited taxpayer resources are simply part of predecisional discussions and deliberations and would not take place without a risk assessment to ensure the security of the aviation system,” said the TSA in an earlier statement.
Counterterrorism experts warn that such gaps in security could easily be exploited by terrorists seeking to hijack small planes for use in 9/11-style attacks.
Above image via Shutterstock
