Has there ever in the history of aviation been a terrorist attack carried out from a viewing area?
None of which I am aware, which of course is irrelevant to airport executives wanting rid of those spotter-types who bring their own sandwiches and flasks of weak lemon drink.
Belfast International re-opened their viewing gallery two years ago, it is unfortunately behind glass but has piped ATC radio and an FR24 display on a screen. At lease they made an effort.