Port Authority lifts suspension of NYC airport travel

NEW YORK (AP) -- The New York metropolitan area's three major airports were reopened Friday, ending a nearly 18-hour shutdown for security concerns.

There had been no arrivals or departures since Thursday at approximately 6 p.m., said Pasquale DiFulco, spokesman for the Port Authority, which runs the airports. Service was restored at 11:20 a.m.

Travel had been suspended because of security concerns. DiFulco said the airports were never formally closed and had been fully staffed and secure during the suspension.

Ernesto Butcher, chief operating officer of the Port Authority, urged passengers to call their airlines before going to the airports.

"Please be aware also that because of strict security requirements, passengers should give themselves additional time," he said.