South Florida Airports On "Heightened Security" After Brussels Terror Attack
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – In the wake of the bombing attack at the airport and a metro station in Brussels, security has been heightened at Miami International Airport.
"Those measures include an increased presence of uniformed officers and canine units in and around the terminal. Employees across our operations have been alerted to heighten their vigilance for suspicious activity. Miami-Dade Police and the Miami-Dade Aviation Department have also increased patrols on the airport perimeter, and will increase random inspections at airport entrances," said Miami-Dade Aviation Department spokesman Greg Chin.
With the additional security and the increased airport traffic for Spring Break travel and the Easter Sunday weekend, travelers are encouraged to arrive at the airport earlier than usual this week.
Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez issued a statement which echoed what was happening at the airport.
"While there is no specific threat to Miami-Dade County, the Miami-Dade Police Department and partner law enforcement agencies have enhanced security measures at specific locations throughout our community. I urge all of our residents and visitors to remain vigilant and if you see something, say something by reporting it to law enforcement."
"It's just concerning, it's very scary" said Terri Levin who was passing through MIA.
At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport there have been no changes. Airport spokesman Gregory Meyers said they have always been on a "heightened level" of security.
"It keeps you on your toes," said Sean Twitty at Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International. "You look around and make sure everybody's doing what they're supposed to do. It's a little scary."
The Broward Sheriff's Office said they have outfitted officers with high-powered rifles and you'll see plenty of more deputies around the airport.
"You'll see increase in our officers carrying long guns. We don't normally carry long guns, we do at different times of the year and at times like this and you'll see more uniform presence," explained BSO Capt. Roy Liddicott.
For travelers, the guns, dogs and officers are welcomed.
"I think it makes you feel safe. It's good," said FLL traveler Lisa Kirwon.
To honor those killed in the Brussels blasts, Governor Rick Scott has ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff at all local and State buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the State of Florida until sunset on Monday, March 28th.
Belgian officials said 36 people were killed and more than 130 injured when two bombs exploded at the airport and a third explosion happened at the Maelbeek Metro station in central Brussels, very near the U.S. Embassy and European Union headquarters.
The airport has been closed, all flights into it or out of it have been canceled or diverted.
For Belgians visiting South Florida, the attacks are sickening, and it makes them wonder when it will happen again.
"It happens now, so when it happens again? Tomorrow, next week, next month in Belgium, somewhere else? Everywhere? We don't know," said concerned traveler Hilda Welle.
"We like to travel but we're scared. We have to sit home on our couch then we're safe," said Belgian traveler Sophie Thyeaert.
And many travelers are stuck in foreign countries, unable to fly back home.
Bran Meerten, who is from Belgium, is at Miami International trying to get home after a cruise. He checked in with his family the moment he heard news of what happened near in his hometown and said they are safe.
"It's really horrible to hear it at the end of your holiday and for the people and the families," said Meerten.
Meerten was booked on a flight from MIA to Brussels, initially scheduled to depart at 5 p.m., but that flight has been scrapped. He's now trying to figure out what to do.
"We don't really have solid information, so we don't know," said Meerten. "We want to go home, but do we go to the Netherlands or Germany or England, we just have to wait."
Major airlines are issuing refunds or rebooking passengers set to travel to Brussels on Tuesday and Wednesday.
"I asked where the plane is going to land, they don't know because we have two other cities in Belgium where we can land but they don't know," Belgian traveler Willie Kenis.
There is no word on when the Brussels airport will reopen.