Crime & Safety
LAX Increasing Security Measures in Wake of Terrorism Concerns Over EgyptAir Crash
The heightened security is not expected to increase passengers' wait time at TSA checkpoints, Airport Police said.
LOS ANGELES, CA -- Officials at the Los Angeles International Airport have increased security measures in the wake of the crash of an Egyptian jetliner flight from Paris to Cairo from possible terrorism.
"The safety and security of passengers, airport workers, and visitors is our number one priority," LAX Airport Police said in a statement. "In light of EgyptAir flight MS804, which disappeared over the Mediterranean Sea, we have heightened our security posture and enhanced our counter-terrorism security measures at our Los Angeles World Airport airports."
EgyptAir flight 804 crashed in the Mediterranean Sea shortly before it was due to land in Cairo. Egypt's Civil Aviation Minister Sherif Fathi acknowledged at a news conference that the crash may be terror-related, but caution against making any assumptions at this point.
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LAX Airport police Officer Rob Pedregon said the agency can't discuss the specific details of the heightened security measures, but said there have not been any threats made against LAX or other Southern California airports. The increased security measure was just a precaution, he said.
In a statement, the airport said it "constantly review the security measures we have in place, and will enhance and improve security as needed."
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The increased security measures will not increase passengers' wait time at checkpoints, Pedregon said. The Transportation Security Administration has been under scrutiny lately because of long wait times to go through security checkpoints.
"We're not expecting any longer lines," Pedregon said.
The average TSA wait time at LAX is around 35 minutes, according to airport officials. LAX is the nation's second largest airport by passenger volume, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
Airport officials are encouraging people to be vigilant when flying and if they "See something, Say something" by calling 877-A- THREAT.
Los Angeles World Airport owns and operates LAX, LA/Ontario International Airport and Van Nuys Airport.
--Photo via Shutterstock
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