PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — As the military operation from Kabul, Afghanistan, continues, Eyewitness News is tracking down the details of refugee flights arriving in the Philadelphia area. Multiple sources tell CBS3 that refugees will arrive in Philadelphia in commercial, not military aircraft.
On Thursday night, Mayor Jim Kenney confirmed that Philadelphia International Airport will be the second passenger airport in the nation to welcome refugee arrivals, as a part of the rescue operation. Right now, the exact details on when flights and refugees can be expected through the airport are unclear due to federal officials coordinating the operation, and security and privacy concerns related to the Afghan evacuees.
However, preparations are underway in anticipation of their arrival. As of 9 a.m. Friday morning, the baggage claim area at Terminal A East and the International Arrivals Area at the airport is closed until further notice. It’s closed because it’ll potentially be used as a security screening area for Afghan refugees when they arrive, officials say. Some, not all refugees, will also undergo additional screening at an undisclosed location in Camden, New Jersey, according to sources.
Only ticketed passengers are allowed in Terminal A East, even for pickups.
A city official also confirmed that the city is now recruiting volunteers to help translate for refugee arrivals. They’re specifically are seeking anyone who speaks either Dari or Pashto to help Afghan arrivals.
