Can Airports Be Redesigned To Deter Terrorist Attacks?

A $9.6-billion modernization plan for Los Angeles International airport has all the makings of a typical planning disaster.

1 minute read

May 15, 2003, 9:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"A $9.6-billion modernization plan billed by Mayor James K. Hahn as a way to make Los Angeles International Airport more secure would in fact make passengers and airport personnel more vulnerable to terrorist attacks with small luggage bombs, shoulder-fired missiles or chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, according to the first independent analysis of the proposal. By consolidating passengers and vehicles at a check-in center nearly a mile from the facility, the mayor's plan could greatly increase the number of casualties if such an attack occurred, according to a study by the Rand Corp., a nonprofit research institute based in Santa Monica."

Thanks to Larry Segal

Thursday, May 15, 2003 in The Los Angeles Times

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