An Agent for Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) shows a passenger at O’Hare International Airport on October 19, 2020 in Chicago, Illinois.
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Delta Air Lines will not allow travelers flying to Washington metropolitan area airports to check firearms on flights ahead of the inauguration of President Joe Biden, CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC on Thursday.
The new policy, which begins this weekend and lasts next week, comes after Trump’s deadly riot against the US Capitol and a spate of politically motivated unrest at flights and airports. Law enforcers authorized to carry firearms will be released.
“We’re all aware of things based on the events of the past few weeks in Washington,” Bastian said in an interview with Squawk Box.
The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday that it will adopt a zero-tolerance policy for travelers who are inconsiderate or interfere with the duty of the flight crew, and they are fined up to $ 35,000.
Airlines, airports and hotels are stepping up security ahead of Wednesday’s inauguration. Several airports have said they will add more police while airlines increase staff and book overnight staff at airport hotels. American Airlines said late Wednesday that it would halt alcohol sales for DC flights.