WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman David Kustoff (TN-08), applauded the announcement that McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport will now have Transportation Security Administration (TSA) passenger screening service. McKellar Sipes Airport has not had TSA passenger screening for 13 years. Over the last year, Congressman Kustoff has worked directly with Steve Smith, Executive Director of McKellar-Sipes Airport, and TSA Federal Security in Tennessee and in Washington, D.C. to resume passenger screening at McKellar-Sipes Airport in Jackson, TN. On June 6, 2022, Congressman Kustoff sent a letter to the TSA Administrator David Pekoske asking him to consider McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport’s application for TSA service. Read the full letter here.
“As West Tennessee experiences unprecedented economic growth with Blue Oval City and other industries coming to the area, it is vital that Jackson has reliable passenger air travel to accommodate this growth,” said Rep. Kustoff. “Over the past year, my staff and I have worked closely with TSA and Executive Director Steve Smith to help ensure MKL was able to receive TSA service. Prior to this announcement, passengers departing MKL were required to go through a security checkpoint at the next airport they arrived at before boarding their connecting flight. With full TSA service now at MKL, passengers can access connecting flights without having to go through additional screening. This announcement will ensure consistent and reliable air travel, which is critical to West Tennessee’s economic prosperity.”
“I believe the return of TSA and Passenger Screening Services to Jackson’s McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport is only the beginning of changes brought about by the “Blue Oval” project. Southern Airways Express now offers 3 flights every day to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, TSA screening will provide a significant increase in enplanements and will ensure consistency and reliable air service for this region,” said Steve Smith, Executive Director of McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport.
Original source can be found here.
