Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed will hold a press conference today to give more information on the ousting of the head of the world’s busiest airport.
Reed removed Miguel Southwell as general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport late Friday.
It is a surprising move as the airport is currently undergoing a major $6 billion expansion to include a sixth runway.
The already long security lines at TSA checkpoints have been impacted further due to upgrade work taking place at Terminal South.
Reed said in a statement he is ‘committed to achieving maximum operational efficiencies and the highest level of customer service possible.’
"I wish Mr. Southwell the best in the next chapter of his career."
Still, it was a surprising development.
"It’s a loss to the city to lose someone of his professionalism and caliber and renown around the world in the aviation industry," said Atlanta Councilwoman Felicia Moore.
Moore says she finds it hard to believe the ousting came about solely because of the long security checkpoint lines.
"If that’s the case, every airport general manager across the country needs to be fired," Moore said.
Southwell was awarded CEO of the Year by the Atlanta Business League just this month.
Former Atlanta financial executive Roosevelt Council has been installed as interim general manager of the airport
