Airport Emergency Operations Centers Activated Across JFK, Newark Liberty and LaGuardia; Airport-Wide Storm Protocols Reflect Post-2018 Operational Reforms

Passengers Urged to Check Flight Status Regularly as Airports Prepare for Weekend Storm

Ahead of the winter storm expected to affect the region this weekend, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has activated its comprehensive package of storm preparedness protocols and is coordinating closely with airlines and terminal operators to keep airports operating safely and efficiently. Airport staff, snow removal equipment, and centralized emergency operations centers (EOC) are in place to support coordinated real-time operations across John F. Kennedy International (JFK), Newark Liberty International (EWR) and LaGuardia (LGA) airports throughout the storm.

Following a 2018 review of the Port Authority airports’ winter storm protocols, the agency has strengthened and refined winter storm preparedness and response procedures based on lessons learned and ongoing operational improvements. These new procedures are designed to manage storm-related impacts on travelers and support a safe, efficient recovery of normal operations.

These procedures include the following:

• Airport flight management: JFK, EWR and LGA have processes in place for recommending flight cancellations depending upon the forecasted severity of a storm. This decision is made at least 24 hours prior to any storm, to ensure long-haul flights have not already taken off. These coordination efforts are intended to reduce the risk of passengers being stranded and to manage airfield congestion during snow removal operations.
• Airport emergency operations center: Ahead of significant winter storms, each airport activates its emergency operations center to coordinate storm response activities in real-time. The EOCs operate on a 24/7 basis for the duration of any storm and all recovery operations. Participation is mandatory for all relevant airport stakeholders.
• Mutual aid: Airport stakeholders may request mutual aid assistance from the EOC. In response, the EOC will facilitate the sharing of equipment, staff and gates between stakeholders to meet emergency needs during a winter storm. The airports maintain an inventory of equipment owned by all airport stakeholders to be used in identifying the equipment needed.
• Baggage service: To assist customers with delayed, damaged or lost bags, every airline is advised to have a baggage service office that meets international best-practice standards. This includes an obligation that terminal operators provide a common-use baggage service office serving multiple airlines if any individual airline based in the terminal does not have the capacity to establish baggage service offices that meet mandated standards.
• Critical equipment & staffing: As part of a checklist maintained by the EOCs, terminal operators and ground-handling organizations are required to certify to each airport’s general manager that certain conditions have been met prior to a storm. This includes certifying that:

• • All relevant equipment (both snow removal and normal operating equipment) has been fully fueled and checked for storm readiness.
  • Each entity has put in place a staffing plan adequate to meet full operations during the predicted storm.

• Employee accommodation: Airports urge stakeholders to lodge employees on or near the airport to avoid the need for employees who may be affected by inclement weather to travel to and from the airport. The airports have an inventory of cots available for staff who lack accommodations but must remain at the airport.
• Communications to passengers: The EOCs coordinate customer communications to ensure that terminal operators, airlines, and the Port Authority provide accurate, frequent and consistent communications to passengers and the public.
• Gate assignment, wait times and availability: During storm emergencies, the EOC coordinates with terminal operators to identify gates and/or parking positions for inbound flights. For situations in which an inactive aircraft is occupying a gate that needs to be made available for incoming flights, the terminal operator will direct the airline to relocate the aircraft.

“Our priority during winter storms is straightforward — keeping passengers safe, informed, and moving while restoring normal operations as quickly as conditions allow,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “Since 2018, we’ve made significant, sustained improvements in how our airports prepare for and respond to severe weather, working in close coordination with airlines, terminal operators and our regional partners.”

“The Port Authority has invested heavily in preparedness, coordination, and accountability across our airport network,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “These measures reflect our commitment to learning from past storms and delivering a better experience for travelers even in the most challenging weather conditions.”

Air travelers should check with their airlines for updated information on their flights before leaving for the airport or check the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) website for any FAA programs that may affect flight operations at their departure or arrival airport.