Aerostar activates airport contingency plan due to TSA staff reduction.

By THE STAR STAFF

Private airport operator Aerostar has activated the first phase of a contingency plan at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport to address the impact on passengers resulting from a reduction in Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staffing.

The situation arises as only seven of the 16 security screening lanes are currently operational, a factor that has led to long lines within the terminals, the operator said Monday.

According to reports, the airport processed some 23,000 passengers on Sunday, and a passenger volume exceeding 20,000 travelers was anticipated on Monday.

As part of the implemented measures, more than 800 barricades and some 22,000 square feet of tents have been set up to organize and shelter passengers waiting in outdoor lines.

Additional security personnel have also been deployed, along with support from municipal and state police forces, as well as emergency medical teams equipped with ambulances and paramedics.

Furthermore, screening areas have been reorganized, wait times are being monitored, and efforts are being coordinated with airlines and federal agencies to manage the flow of passengers.