"Athens Airport braces for Olympics"

Wednesday, June 9, 2004

Airport braces for Olympics 
Greece - Kathimerini


Athens Airport is fully prepared to handle the anticipated surge in
traffic during the Olympics, when some 2,000 police and private security
guards will be on 24-hour duty, officials said yesterday.

Airport officials said over 2 million passengers are expected in the
month of August - 33 percent more than last year - while at the peak of
the rush one plane will land or take off every minute. The busiest days
are expected to be August 12, 13, 14 (the opening ceremony is on the
13th) and 30, when over 78,000 passengers are expected to use the
airport at Spata.

A total of 20,600 planes are expected at the Eleftherios Venizelos in
August, up from 17,600 last year, while the airplane parking area has
almost doubled.

"I am fully convinced that everything is ready for August's mass
arrivals and departures," Transport Minister Michalis Liapis told
journalists during a visit to the airport. "We have taken all necessary
measures to ensure passenger safety."

The airport police force will be increased from 750 to 1,000 officers,
while 1,000 private security guards will also be on duty.


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