No Airport is an Island

Events over the last few weeks have served as vivid reminders of how tightly our nation's airports are woven into the fabric of what happens nationally and locally. The challenge is how we approach, even embrace, our responses.

First on the docket is Ebola. At the beginning of the year, how many of us even knew about the disease or the havoc it can afflict? But now it's here, and we need to deal with it. Like it or not, airports are front and center in the fight. We were the entry point for infected patients arriving in the United States from Africa, and airports have the potential to fan the spread of the disease throughout North America. If Ebola is not contained, more airports may soon be asked to join screening efforts. The impact on travelers, how quickly they're processed and overall airport operations could be acute. This disease may be new to airports; but we have no choice but to become involved and take action.

Another unrelated reminder of how interconnected airports are with their communities came in the form of a press release from the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority. It pledged $2.1 million to attract international air service and challenged community leaders to match it. I like it! In addition to offering financial support, the airport also has done its homework on why RDU deserves more international air service. It makes sense to engage state and local governments, chambers of commerce, convention and visitors bureaus, and local businesses. It's their citizens and members who are asking for new air service. Why should the airport be the only party with skin in the game? Great idea, RDU! And thank you for sharing your announcement.

Lastly, this issue marks our last of 2014. Despite Ebola, limited and uncertain funding and a whole host of other challenges, it's been a good year for airports. We're resilient and serve the public proudly. I look forward to working with all of you in 2015.

Cheers,