Airport News
Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport has unveiled a new six-lane security screening checkpoint in Terminal 2-Humphrey that will increase processing efficiency and reduce wait times.
The checkpoint is situated at the northeast end of the terminal near the skyway to the Orange Parking Ramp and light rail transit, and can accommodate an additional 150 passenger per hour compared to the existing checkpoint. It has been designed so that additional queuing and equipment can be added in the future without structural changes to the facility.
“The Transportation Security Administration has installed the latest screening equipment, including three new millimeter wave advanced imaging technology units,” said TSA acting federal security director Rick Gordon. “It also has large areas for passengers to divest themselves of shoes, coats and other items in preparation for screening and to recompose themselves and their belongings once they and their carry-on items have been screened.”
Dennis Probst, executive vice president of the Metropolitan Airports Commission, which owns and operates MSP and six general aviation airports in Minnesota, added, “Terminal 2-Humphrey is experiencing record numbers of travellers as low-cost carriers launch and expand service there. Early mornings are particularly congested due to the number of flights scheduled for departure, with wait times at the existing Terminal 2 checkpoint sometimes extending to 45 minutes or more. This second, larger checkpoint is an important first step toward reducing lines, decreasing stress and improving the overall experience for people traveling from Terminal 2.”
The pre-existing five-lane checkpoint has now been closed for remodeling to better accommodate advanced screening equipment. When it reopens in early 2013, screening operations will be split between the two checkpoints to further improve processing of passengers and carry-on items.
The $16.1 million (£10 million) build-out is part of a larger expansion effort underway at Terminal 2-Humphrey, including enclosure of future expansion space for ticketing and development of several new food and retail concessions. In late 2012 or early 2013, six new Terminal 2 concessions will open, including a Latin-themed Cocina del Barrio restaurant, Surdyk’s Flights wine market and cafe, Subway, Caribou Coffee, and retail news store Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine News.
