As the threat of extreme weather events becomes more prevalent, airport managers face increasing challenges in securing the safety of passengers, aircraft and infrastructure. Hurricane season is especially detrimental to airports in the south as many are located near sea level and large storms can wreak havoc on infrastructure, causing millions in damage.
American Infrastructure Development (AID) CEO Sabina Mohammadi explains five essential steps airport managers should take to mitigate damage before the storm arrives.
Secure the Airfield and Surrounding Areas
Tie down all aircraft, causeways, support vehicles and store all lightweight materials away from windows and low points of elevation. Heavy wind or severe flooding can cause stationary objects without these securities to become free moving without control which can cause damage to infrastructure and aircraft.
During severe weather, the airport's top priority should be to secure the airfield and surrounding areas. Safety measures during heavy wind or flooding are paramount for protecting aircraft and infrastructure.
To ensure safety during heavy wind or flooding, it’s essential to secure aircraft, evacuate if necessary, ensure infrastructure is built to withstand such events, and have a disaster response team ready to assess and repair any damage post-storm.
"Measures for securing the airfield during severe weather include securing loose objects that can become projectiles, moving smaller aircraft into hangars, anchoring larger aircraft with tie-downs, and regularly checking and updating emergency evacuation plans," Mohammadi says.
Mitigate Flood Risk
Limit or prevent unnecessary water damage to structures by constructing effective drainage plans and place sandbags at strategic locations to divert water away from important locations around the airport. Keep sensitive items unplugged and covered in a water-resistant/proof sheet. If possible, relocate them to a secure environment away from windows or low elevations.
"Flooding risk can be mitigated by ensuring effective drainage systems are properly maintained and in place, creating berms or barriers to redirect water flow, raising vital equipment off the ground, and implementing comprehensive flood response plans.," Mohammadi says.
Communicate with Key Stakeholders
Airports attempt to stay open as long as possible, and open as early as possible to allow for the safe movement of people and cargo, especially for aid after a storm event. This requires constant and open communication efforts with a variety of groups including the government, Military, airlines, municipalities and police. Always keep an alternate method of communication, as cell towers may be disabled for a duration.
“Having an alternate method of communication is vital during a storm because primary communication systems may fail due to power outages or technical issues," Mohammadi says.
The Importance of Spare Fuel and Generators
Although we cannot control storms, we can anticipate the storm beforehand. Be sure to practice disaster drills, conduct annual and monthly inspections of structures and have a plan to keep spare fuel and generators on site.
To ensure operational continuity during power outages, airports should be equipped with spare fuel and generators.
"Spare fuel and generators are essential to ensure continued operation of essential services like lighting and communication equipment, even during power outages caused by the storm," Mohammadi says.
Being proactive is key to minimizing damage and disruptions during severe weather. Proactive steps include monitoring weather forecasts, maintaining regular contact with meteorological services, updating and communicating storm response plans, and conducting drills to test these plans.
Regular inspections of structures also help identify potential vulnerabilities and allow for timely repairs. Practicing disaster drills helps ensure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities during an actual emergency, which can save lives and reduce damage.
Prioritizing Flights During Imminent Storms
Winds at or above 40 MPH typically prohibit planes from taking off or landing, so it is probable that once winds hit those speeds, airports will completely cease operations and close down. If a storm is within a few days of striking the area, airports will attempt to book as many outgoing flights as possible during this time, with limited (if any) inbound flights
When a storm is approaching, airports must prioritize outgoing flights and minimize inbound ones.
"To prioritize outgoing flights and minimize inbound flights when a storm is imminent, airports can work with airlines to reschedule or reroute flights, communicate with air traffic control for prioritization, and ensure passengers are informed and assisted with their travel plans," she says.
