In response to reported terrorist attacks in New York and Washington D.C., and instructions from the Federal Aviation Administration, Lubbock International Airport has shut down all flight activity for the day. "Everything we are doing here is in response to what is happening in New York. Airlines have suspended flights," Mark Earle, director of Aviation for the City of Lubbock, said. "There is an airport security program in effect. I can't talk about specifics of what level of alert we are on. A program is always in place that has varying levels of security."This morning two reportedly hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Towers in New York City, toppling the two 110-story structures to the ground. In addition, a third plane crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Casualties are unknown at this time, but are believed to be extensive. More than four planes were diverted to Lubbock after pilots were instructed to land at the nearest airport. Officials believe there may be additional planes missing and possibly hijacked. No one has taken responsibility for the terrorist acts."Airlines have made a decision to shut down the security check points," Amy Penn, a lieutenant with the Lubbock Airport police, said. "Right now there's a ground stoppage on all aircraft."Jennifer Dudek was flying from Dallas Love Field toward Albuquerque when her flight was diverted to Lubbock. "They just said, `I don't know how many of you are aware of what is going on in New York, but all flights must land at the nearest airport,'" she said. Passengers at the airport were scrambling to catch shuttles and rental cars to continue their journey. Todd Williams, a Texas Tech business graduate, said he was going to split the car rental back to Dallas with other passengers who were taken to Lubbock International Airport. Williams, who was headed to Phoenix, said he didn't realize what was going on when he left Dallas this morning. "As I was hurrying to get on the plane, I saw one of the towers on fire," he said. "I didn't think much of it, I just saw all these people crowding around the television. At that point, people were saying it was an accident." While en route to Phoenix, Williams said the crew with Southwest Airlines told passengers there was a terrorist emergency and that they would have to ground the plane. Williams said his next thoughts were just to get home. "Now what?" he said. "How long is it going to be, what's the delay, is it smart to go to an airport with lots of people?"Bert Lane, a supervisor with Southwest Airlines, said the reactions from most passengers were surprising. "It's amazing they're more worried about their tickets more than anything else," he said. "They've probably been in travel mode, listening to music on their way in. They probably didn't hear the news. It's kind of a shock to everybody."
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