President Joe Biden will deliver a speech about civil rights at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin on July 15. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport officials said they expect minor flight delays while the president is in town.
What you need to know
For security reasons, a ground stop and ramp freeze will be in effect while the president is landing in and departing Austin. A ground stop, which is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, means outbound flights will not be able to take off, and inbound flights may be delayed during a certain period. A ramp freeze, which is issued by the airport, means no foot, vehicle or aircraft traffic will be allowed on ramps or the concourse.
Travelers can expect minor delays during this period, an airport spokesperson said. Biden’s speech is expected to begin at 12:30 p.m. at the LBJ Library, although the White House did not respond to a question regarding what time the president is expected to land in Austin.
"We encourage travelers to keep an eye on their flight status and monitor traffic conditions before heading to the airport to ensure timely arrival," airport officials said in an emailed statement.
Some streets between the airport and the LBJ Library may be closed July 15, the city of Austin said in a news release. The city encouraged residents to find alternative routes or use public transportation, but did not specify when or where closures would occur.
More details
Biden’s speech will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, which was signed by then-President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964. The event will be livestreamed online and is closed to the public. Media will be allowed to attend.
“We are honored to have President Biden at the LBJ Library to mark the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act,” said Mark K. Updegrove, president and CEO of the LBJ Foundation, in a news release. "It is fitting that he returns to the library to mark this milestone as our 46th president, whose administration is committed to pursuing a ‘comprehensive approach to advancing racial equity for all.’”
After the speech, Biden is scheduled to travel to Las Vegas for conferences hosted by the NAACP and the Latino advocacy organization UnidosUS.
