By Dave Thompson
Bismarck, ND – North Dakota Aeronautics Commission director Gary Ness says the new airport security procedures now in place remind him of what happened ten years ago.
"1991, Dessert Storm, we went to Level Four which changed the complexion, it was several months before the released it out. So those that remember '91, ten years ago, will remember the level of security and some of the inconveniences that come along with it."
Ness says similar to 1991, only ticketed passengers are allowed in the "secure" areas near the gates, and parking is restricted.
"Probably one of the hardest things to do, you will not be able to leave your car at a curbside, you know where you park your car will be at least 300 feet away or if modifications with the airports are in place, you might be a little closer than that but typically between 250 and 300 feet away."
Ness says the heightened security procedures were relaxed after the Gulf War, but this time he believes some of the procedures will become permanent.
"There's probably going to be a higher level of security in place after this than there has been before. I don't think we'll see it go back to what it was before the incident. Take a picture, you know, our lives have changed, won't be the same."