The chief of security for the Winter Olympic Games is recommending the city's international airport be shut down during the opening and closing ceremonies as a security precaution. The unprecedented action would mean planes wouldn't be allowed to land or take off at Salt Lake City International Airport for several hours on Feb. 8 and Feb. 24, and possibly at other times in between.
Robert Flowers, head of the Utah Olympic Public Safety Command, said on Friday that it's likely the airport will be temporarily closed.
Flowers said a complete halt in air traffic was necessary to give the expected 52,000 people, including world leaders and dignitaries, at the ceremonies a feeling of safety.
Bureau Report