Inquiries
All inquiries are to be directed to the Public Relations Unit:

Back to the Top

Parking

News media covering airport events may park in the exit plaza of the Terminal North parking deck after obtaining approval from the Media Relations Manager. Vehicles parked in unauthorized areas or overnight may be ticketed or towed. Media satellite vehicles are to be parked in the media designated area.

Directions: Terminal South (upper level) to baggage claim/passenger pick-up. Parking spaces are adjacent to outer curb at west end of Terminal South near MARTA rail line.

Relocation of Satellite Truck Parking

Due to construction parking for media satellite trucks has been relocated from the Terminal South curb to its original location on the Terminal North curb.

Directions: End of the Terminal North roadway at the center island (across from the parking deck exit on the left and the police shack on the right).

OVERNIGHT PARKING IS PROHIBITED IN ALL MEDIA PARKING SPACES. VIOLATORS WILL BE TICKETED AND TOWED AT THE OWNER'S EXPENSE.

Back to the Top

Filming/Photography

Requests for filming or photography are to be made to the Public Relations Manager for approval five (5) days prior to filming. Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior to film appointments or a $100 fee will be assessed.

There is a location fee of $100 per hour to film on airport property. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport reserves the right to restrict filming of the security checkpoint at any time.

(Last updated: 10/2007)

Sample Location Release(pdf)

EDS Filming Policy
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport prohibits the filming and photography of passengers’ luggage exiting the Transportation Security Administration’s new explosives detection system, or EDS machines. Individuals and media organizations are also prohibited from filming or photographing the search of questionable baggage by TSA representatives.

This filming policy was implemented to protect the privacy of our customers and to ensure their safety. The restriction also prevents the dissemination of operational information to parties with unlawful intentions.

Back to the Top

Media Policy
It is the policy of the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport's Public Relations Unit to report any newsworthy event and to cooperate with all media representatives to make clear and accurate information available. General information kits are available upon request.

Back to the Top

Airport Access Guidelines
The following apply to all news organizations:

Media requests are to be directed to the Public Relations Unit. Media will not be denied access to any area where the general public is permitted.

Media will be denied access to leased areas of the Airport, except in such cases where lessee gives permission and provides an escort.

For security reasons, taking photographs or filming of any security checkpoint area is strictly prohibited. Media will be granted access to restricted areas of the Airport only when approved by the Public Relations Unit and escorted by authorized personnel. Access to restricted areas will be denied if airport security requirements or the safety of personnel or equipment are compromised, or if air traffic flow is restricted.

Photographs and videotapes may be taken from any area to which news media have been permitted access. The use of strobes and other high-intensity lighting may be restricted when such lighting might affect emergency response to an event, incident, investigation or operation.

Inquiries regarding criminal activity that may occur on Airport property should be directed to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.

Back to the Top

Emergency Procedures:

Media will not resist, obstruct, oppose, or interfere with any law enforcement officer in the lawful execution of his or her duties. Media are not exempt from any federal, state or local laws and, if arrested, will be handled in the same manner as any other violator.

In the event of an on-site emergency:

Immediately after an emergency incident -- Initially, all media should report to the Department of Aviation Press Room, located on the third floor of the Atrium in the Executive Conference Center. Media identification will be required for access to an incident site or into a designated press area.

Dissemination of information -- A public relations officer will be at the scene of the emergency to manage media access and the dissemination of information. The officer will be briefed by the senior airport operations official at the site with basic facts concerning the incident. Press briefings will be scheduled periodically, or as new information is obtained. The public relations officer will secure approval for media access at the site. Every attempt will be made to provide a suitable incident observation area for media personnel.

Onsite access -- Media requests for access to aircraft operating areas (runways, taxiways, etc.) will be granted only after clearance is given by appropriate airport officials. Media must be escorted by authorized airport personnel. Persons gaining unauthorized access to the site of the incident are subject to arrest and prosecution.

Victim's right to privacy respected -- Notwithstanding media interests, the Department of Aviation's first responsibility is to the victim(s) and their right to privacy. While media will not be arbitrarily denied access to victim(s), the Department of Aviation will support and enforce the decision of victim(s) who choose not to be interviewed and/or photographed. Access to victim(s) may require approval by the involved airline, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and/or the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Off-airport incidents -- When aircraft incidents occur off airport property, a public relations officer will respond and offer assistance to the incident commander of the jurisdiction in which the event occurred. At no time will the public relations officer act as spokesperson for an agency or airline.

Incidents occurring outside of airport operations -- For emergencies or events taking place on airport property, but not directly related to airport operations, a public relations officer will assist in the dissemination of information when requested to do so.

Access for news helicopters -- News helicopters will not be allowed to land on airport property without prior authorization from the FAA and the Department of Aviation.

Access during a bomb threat -- In the event of a bomb threat, access to all restricted areas of the airport will be denied.

Other limitations to media access -- In the event that a temporary morgue is set up on airport property, no media access will be authorized within or adjacent to morgue facilities.

Back to the Top

Aviation Regulatory Agencies
(For Emergency Situations)

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
The NTSB is one of the federal agencies that investigates aircraft accidents involving serious injury or substantial property damage. The agency takes custody of the aircraft and its contents from the time fire/rescue operations are concluded until a full investigation is completed or releases are issued. Upon the arrival of the NTSB investigation team, the airport staff will assume a support role as requested.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Various branches of the FAA have responsibilities in an aircraft emergency. The FAA operates the control tower and will direct air traffic during an emergency to permit equipment to proceed to the accident site.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
The FBI has jurisdiction if a hijacking or hostage incident occurs aboard an aircraft that is still on the ground. If an aircraft is in flight and a hijacking or hostage situation occurs, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has jurisdiction.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
The TSA is responsible for security relating to civil aviation, maritime and all other modes of transportation, including transportation facilities, and is the lead agency for security at airports. The Agency would be a first-responder in stabilizing an emergency situation at the airport.

Airline Involved in an Emergency
The airline involved in an emergency is responsible for providing information regarding passengers aboard the aircraft and any detailed information about the flight crew, flight activities and the aircraft.

Back to the Top

Copyright© 2003-2007 City of Atlanta
Contact Webmaster - Legal Statement - Privacy Statement