ACI World issues COVID-19 safety guidelines

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Airports Council International (ACI) World officials have issued a series of safety guidelines to airport operators regarding airfield operations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

ACI World Safety and Technical Standing Committee member survey results determined that nearly half of respondents experienced a 90 percent or greater reduction in aircraft movements while 64 percent had a 70 percent or greater reduction.

ACI World indicated the guidelines address accommodating parked aircraft, in addition to maintenance of airside infrastructure, such as runways, taxiways, aprons, stands, piers, the management of airside operations teams, and continuing essential cargo operations.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented disruption of global air transport and has imposed operational challenges to airside infrastructure,” ACI World Director General Angela Gittens said. “Despite the dramatic decline in passenger traffic, many airports remain open for cargo operations, and the continuity of the air cargo business is essential for communities, the global economy at large, and for fighting the ongoing pandemic.”

According to the survey results, most airports had not restricted hours of operation amid COVID-19, but three-quarters of respondents noted they had closed some of their airside infrastructure. Most have had to implement special arrangements to park large numbers of grounded aircraft.

“The health and welfare of travelers, staff and the public and limiting the spread of communicable diseases are the priorities for the aviation industry and business as usual no longer applies,” Gittens said. “It is imperative for airports to implement necessary measures to ensure best safety practices for airfield operations and this guidance will assist them in this work.”