Skip to content

Airport News

GPT Airport Coronavirus Preparedness

August 20, 2021

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is extending the face mask requirement for individuals across all transportation networks throughout the United States, including at airports, onboard commercial aircraft, on over-the-road buses, and on commuter bus and rail systems through January 18, 2022.

Airline travelers should check with their airline on additional inflight restrictions prior to taking their trip. All commuters and travelers should check with the CDC website for additional guidance. Exemptions to the face mask requirement for travelers under the age of 2 years old and those with certain disabilities as well as civil penalty fines will also remain in place.

Travelers with questions regarding airport security screening procedures may send a message via Facebook or Twitter to @AskTSA for live assistance from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET on weekdays or 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET on weekends/holidays. Individuals who require screening assistance due to a disability, medical condition or other special circumstance may contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours in advance of their flight by calling (855) 787-2227. For additional information about TSA procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the “Stay Healthy. Stay Secure.” campaign, visit tsa.gov/coronavirus.

Per Executive Order of the United States Department of Homeland Security, wearing a mask is required while at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport and other public areas of transportation hubs/facilities for the duration of travel, boarding, and disembarking. Refusing to wear a mask is a violation of federal law; passengers may be subject to penalties under federal law. For more information and exemptions to the Executive Order, please visit:

https://www.tsa.gov/sites/default/files/sd-1542-21-01.pdf

The CDC announced that effective January 26, 2021, negative COVID-19 test requirements will be expanded to all passengers entering the United States.  If you are traveling from an international destination and connecting through one of our partner airline hubs in Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas-Ft. Worth, or Houston you can find more information here:

https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s0112-negative-covid-19-air-passengers.html

 Airline Updates

All commercial airlines currently operating at GPT now require passengers & employees to wear masks or face coverings. Protective plexiglass barriers and social distancing floor markers are located at check-in counters. Enhanced aircraft cleaning protocols, including fogging & electrostatic spraying, are being utilized after every flight. Inflight food & beverage services have been reduced or suspended to minimize the spread of germs. Please visit your respective carrier’s website at the link below for more information.

·        American Airlines- https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/coronavirus-updates.jsp#socialdistancing

·       Delta Air Lines- https://www.delta.com/content/www/us/en/travel-update-center/overview.html

·         United Airlines- https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/united-cleanplus.html

Amenity Updates

·        Gulf Coast Grill and Taproom and Coast Roast are now opening at 6:00 a.m. for carryout and dine-in service with limited menu options. Tables are spaced at a safe distance of 6 feet with no more than 6 people per table. 

·         Faber News & Gifts remains open 1.5 hours before each flight until departure.

·         The Global Entry Enrollment Office will reopen July 7, 2020, and the USO Center’s reopening date is TBD.

TSA Summer Travel Updates
  • Travelers should keep possession of their boarding passes. Instead of handing their boarding pass to a TSA officer at the travel document podium, travelers should now place their boarding pass (paper or electronic) on the boarding pass reader themselves.
  • Travelers are encouraged to wear face protection to the checkpoint. Please note, however, passengers may need to adjust it during the screening process.
  • Travelers are allowed up to 12 oz of liquid hand sanitizer through security. Disinfectant wipes are also allowed.  
  • Passengers should allow for social distancing to reduce direct contact between employees and travelers whenever possible without compromising security.
  • The REAL ID deadline has been extended by 1 year to October 1, 2021.

For more information, please visit: https://www.tsa.gov/news/press/releases/2020/05/21/tsa-prepared-summer-travelers-updated-security-procedures

 

UPDATE 3/24/2020

Air Service Updates

GPT provides essential transportation services to our community and remains open. However, some flight schedules have been impacted due to the current travel environment. Passengers are encouraged to directly contact their airline regarding any potential cancellations or schedule changes.

Amenity Updates

Faber News & Gifts remains open offering a selection of publications, t-shirts, snacks and gifts. In-terminal restaurants and bars have closed seating areas but are still offering carryout and grab & go food options from the Coast Roast counter. The USO Center and Global Entry Enrollment Office are temporarily closed.

Operational Updates

GPT continues to monitor the ongoing developments with COVID-19 and is making adjustments to operations as needed. We want to thank our partners who continue to play a critical role ensuring the safety, health and security of passengers.

 

UPDATE 3/12/2020

 

Forrest General Hospital reported this afternoon that the Forrest County individual who tested positive for COVID-19 recently traveled through Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. The MSDH State Epidemiologist and Forrest General Hospital Chief Medical Officer have both advised that any person who came into contact with the individual is not in danger of contagion as the person was not displaying symptoms at the time.

 

GPT AIRPORT CORONAVIRUS PREPAREDNESS

The Airport remains vigilant in conducting enhanced cleaning procedures and reminds travelers to continue following the CDC and MSDH recommendations detailed above. We look forward to serving you on upcoming and future travels.  

 

Coronavirus Preparedness: 3/10/2020

GULFPORT, Miss. – The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, in coordination with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), is continuing to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Airport has seen no impacts to regular operations but encourages travelers to contact their airline regarding any potential schedule changes.

Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport takes precautions to prevent the spread of illnesses like COVID-19 and protect its passengers and employees. In addition to normal cleaning procedures, the Airport’s custodial team is conducting additional cleanings in frequently touched areas like handrails, door handles and other hard surfaces. Hand sanitizing dispensers are located throughout the terminal for passengers and employees to use. Restroom handwashing stations are also located throughout the terminal both before and after security.

Passengers are encouraged to follow the CDC’s guidance for preventing the spread of COVID-19. These guidelines include:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

“While it’s critically important to remain vigilant and take useful precautions in times like these, it’s equally important to make calm, rational, and fact-based decisions,” noted the U.S. Travel Association.

We look forward to serving you on upcoming and future travels. Thank you for flying Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

###