LAX COMMENTS ON TERMINAL EVACUATIONS

Los Angeles, California -- February 28, 2002) At 6:30 this morning, Los Angeles International Airport Police and the airlines began evacuating Terminals 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 because one of the metal detectors at the Terminal 4 passenger screening area under the oversight of the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was not functioning properly. This follows LAX's security procedures when it is learned that people have entered the secured areas without proper security screening.

This is primarily affecting domestic departures and arrivals for American Airlines, Delta, United and Continental. Passengers began re-screening and reentering the terminals about 8:20 a.m. It is estimated that approximately 325 flights were affected due to the evacuation.

All vehicles entering the Central Terminal Area are advised to use the Lower/Arrival Level.

At the request of the TSA, all media calls are being referred to their public information office: Paul Takemoto at (202) 366-4312 or Hank Price at (202) 366-1109.