In the wake of conflict, the recovery of aviation infrastructure is a monumental yet critical task. Airports play a pivotal role in reconnecting communities, facilitating humanitarian aid, and reviving economic activities. The experiences of leaders who have navigated similar challenges provide a blueprint for action. Drawing from lessons learned during the recovery of Dubrovnik Airport after the Balkan War and examining the challenges currently faced in Ukraine, this article explores the strategies required to rebuild and restart airports after a major conflict.
Croatia: A Case Study in Recovery
Tonci Peovic, former CEO of Dubrovnik Airport, offers invaluable insights into the realities of restarting airport operations after war. In 1995, Dubrovnik Airport was tasked with resuming operations within just 30 days of the war’s conclusion. Peovic’s experience highlights several critical priorities:
· Clearing the Immediate Threats: The first step in reopening the airport was de-mining the area. Landmines and unexploded ordnance were a constant threat, necessitating thorough sweeps by specialized teams.
· Prioritizing Airside Operations: The focus was on restoring the airside operations, including runways, landing lights, and air traffic control systems. This ensured the airport could handle flights safely, even with limited resources.
· Improvisation Within Standards: With infrastructure heavily damaged and equipment stolen or destroyed, Dubrovnik had to improvise while adhering to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. Temporary measures, such as setting up basic terminals, were employed to facilitate operations.
· Rebuilding Human Capital: The human toll of war posed significant challenges. Many skilled personnel had left, and those remaining often needed retraining. A “train-the-trainer” approach was employed, using external experts to expedite the training of local staff.
· Leveraging International Partnerships: Support from other European airports was instrumental. Donated equipment, such as firefighting vehicles and ground handling tools, helped bridge the gap until permanent replacements could be procured.
Peovic emphasized the importance of starting operations even before full reconstruction, balancing immediate needs with long-term planning. This approach ensured Dubrovnik Airport could reconnect with the world while laying the groundwork for future development.
Ukraine: A Complex Landscape
The situation in Ukraine shares similarities with Dubrovnik but presents unique challenges due to the scale of the conflict. According to Oleksandr Cherepanov and Tetyana Romanovska, leaders within Ukraine’s aviation sector, the war has left 15 of the country’s 19 airports heavily damaged. The key issues include:
· Infrastructure Damage: Runways, terminals, and navigation systems have been targeted, leaving many airports inoperable. Preliminary damage assessments, such as the Air DNA program conducted with the World Bank, are crucial for understanding the scope of work required.
· Loss of Human Resources: Prolonged closures have led to skill erosion among airport staff. Many employees have left the country or joined the war effort, exacerbating the challenge of rebuilding a qualified workforce.
· Aging Equipment: Prolonged disuse and outdated technology mean that much of the equipment will require replacement or significant upgrades.
· Safety Concerns: Beyond rebuilding, ensuring safety in and around airports is a monumental task. Clearing landmines, unexploded ordnance, and ensuring secure perimeters will be vital to restoring trust.
· Financial Constraints: With Ukraine’s economy under strain, funding operational readiness and reconstruction efforts will require significant international assistance.
Leadership in Action
Despite the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian aviation leaders are proactively planning for recovery. Steps being taken include:
· Maintaining Operational Readiness: Airports like Boryspil are conducting regular training and maintaining certifications to ensure a swift restart once conditions allow. As Romanovska noted, some airports could resume operations within two to three weeks of a green light.
· Building International Partnerships: Ukrainian officials are working closely with global aviation organizations, including ICAO and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Initiatives such as the Ukrainian Aviation Recovery and Reconstruction Program are securing expertise and resources for rebuilding efforts.
· Developing Priority Lists: Identifying which airports to reopen first is critical. Larger hubs like Kyiv and Lviv are likely to take precedence due to their strategic importance and relatively better conditions.
· Leveraging External Support: Proposals include creating a “sister airport” system, where Western airports mentor Ukrainian counterparts, sharing expertise and resources. Additionally, donor conferences are being planned to secure funding and equipment donations.
· Strategic Master Planning: Leaders are working on master plans to ensure the rebuilt aviation network aligns with modern standards and future needs. This includes adopting Western safety and operational standards, moving away from legacy Soviet-era systems.
The long-term vision for Ukraine’s aviation network is ambitious but achievable. As Cherepanov stated, the goal is to integrate fully into the European and global aviation communities. This includes adopting cutting-edge technology, achieving the highest safety standards, and serving as a hub for international travel and trade.
Peovic’s suggestion of creating a harmonized, transparent system for international support underscores the importance of collaboration. Avoiding duplication of efforts and ensuring resources are used effectively will be critical to Ukraine’s success.
Restarting airports after a conflict is a daunting task, but the experiences of leaders like Tonci Peovic and the proactive measures being taken in Ukraine demonstrate that recovery is possible. By prioritizing safety, leveraging international partnerships, and focusing on both immediate needs and long-term planning, Ukraine can rebuild a resilient aviation network that serves its people and the world. The journey will be challenging, but with the right strategy and support, it will also be transformative.
