Traffic into Memphis International Airport came to a halt Thursday when Memphis Airport Police shut down the inbound terminal road to investigate a reported “suspicious item.” Jim McGehee Parkway was closed for access to the parking garage and terminal curb lanes, and drivers were pushed onto alternate entrances. For a period, inbound vehicles were funneled to the Yellow Lot via Winchester Road and Cargo Road while officers worked the scene.
According to Action News 5, Memphis Airport Police closed the inbound terminal road and rerouted drivers to the Yellow Lot through Winchester Road and Cargo Road as they checked out the item. The outlet reports that first responders were on scene but had not released any additional details about what officers found or whether the situation posed a threat.
Why this matters at MEM
Memphis International is a major cargo and passenger gateway, home to the FedEx World Hub, and roadway closures can quickly ripple into parking, curbside, and freight operations, according to the Memphis Airport Police Department. The department’s site notes that MAPD is a CALEA-accredited, independent law enforcement agency responsible for roads, terminals, and tenant facilities across the airport grounds.
What drivers and travelers should do
If you are headed to MEM, plan for extra time and follow posted signs or directions from officers on site. Use alternate lots for pickup and drop-off, expect delays reaching the curb, check your airline’s flight status, and allow some cushion for arriving passengers to make it out of the terminal.
Action News 5 reports it is working to gather more information about the incident, and airport officials had not issued an official statement at the time of reporting. We will continue to watch for updates from airport authorities and local police and add new details as they are released.
