Airports And Covid: High-Risk Zones And Necessary Precautions

Airports have been a significant source of concern during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many travellers anxious about the potential risks associated with air travel. While the focus is often on airlines' safety protocols, the risk of infection at airports cannot be overlooked. Airports located in areas with high COVID-19 transmission rates are particularly concerning, as they increase the likelihood of exposure to the virus. To address this issue, organisations like the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have published lists of high-risk airports, providing valuable information for travellers. Various factors contribute to the risk level of an airport, including the local infection rate, the last reported positive case among staff, and the airport's mask policy. Understanding these factors is essential for travellers to make informed decisions about their safety.

Airports in COVID-19 hotspots

In the United States, for example, the Harvard Global Health Institute's risk-assessment tool has identified several major airports located in COVID-19 hotspots, including Miami International, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, and Orlando International, among others. These airports have also reported positive COVID-19 cases among Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, further increasing the risk of exposure.

Similarly, Ben Gurion Airport in Israel has implemented measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 by segregating arrivals from countries with high infection rates, such as Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa.

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has also published a list of airports located in areas with a high risk of COVID-19 transmission, both within the European Union and outside, such as the United States, Canada, and Russia.

The presence of COVID-19 hotspots near international airports has been identified as a significant factor in the early spread of the virus. A study examining the incidence of COVID-19 in areas near US international airports found that counties containing international airports represented initial hotspots for transmission. This highlights the importance of considering the location of the airport when assessing the risk of COVID-19 exposure.

To mitigate the risk, authorities have implemented various measures, including separate terminals for arrivals from high-risk areas, increased shuttle services to reduce crowding, and mandatory mask mandates and health certifications for travellers.

TSA officers testing positive

Since the beginning of the pandemic, over 1,100 Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers have contracted COVID-19, and 35 have died after contracting the virus. In December 2021, it was reported that more than 1,700 TSA employees had tested positive for COVID-19, with 20 cases in San Diego alone. Since Christmas, TSA San Diego had 20 officers test positive for COVID, with five others quarantined for each case.

TSA employees work on the frontlines, routinely coming into close contact with the traveling public. While TSA has authorized frontline personnel to wear nitrile gloves and surgical masks when screening individuals and their property, the risk of exposure to COVID-19 remains high for these employees.

In April 2020, a TSA agent who was responsible for screening passengers at Missoula International Airport tested positive for COVID-19. This news came as the Montana National Guard prepared to start passenger screening and planned for a temporary hospital in Missoula County. The TSA published information about staff who had tested positive within the past 14 days, with 58 cases nationwide.

In April 2023, a TSA officer at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) tested positive for COVID-19. Checkpoint 5, where the officer last worked the morning shift, was closed for additional cleaning. TSA followed public health guidance to notify employees who were in close contact with the security officer.

Mask mandates in airports

Airports are a meeting point for travellers from all over the world, and as such, they have been identified as potential high-risk areas for the spread of COVID-19. To curb this, mask mandates have been implemented in airports worldwide, with varying levels of success.

Federal vs State Laws

In countries such as the United States, the federal government has implemented a mandate for mass transit, including airports and train stations, regardless of state laws. This has caused some confusion and even conflict, as some states have passed laws banning mask mandates. However, legal experts agree that in the case of airports, federal rules stand. This is because the Supreme Court has held that the federal government has the right to regulate interstate travel and the channels and instruments of interstate commerce.

Airport Policies

Airports Council International, which represents commercial airports, has been pushing for a federal mask mandate at all US airports, but this has not yet been successful. As a result, airports across the country have inconsistent standards for facial coverings, with most airports setting their own policies. This inconsistency can be confusing for travellers, who may be subject to different mask requirements depending on the airport they are visiting. It is recommended that travellers research the specific mask policies of the airports they will be using before their trip to ensure compliance.

Mask Recommendations

While mask mandates in airports vary, health experts recommend wearing quality masks that offer high filtration, such as KN95, KF94, or N95 respirators, especially when travelling to or from areas with high COVID-19 spread. Double-masking with a cloth or surgical mask and a higher-quality mask is better than nothing, but it is not the best solution. It is also important to ensure that masks fit snugly and cover the nose and mouth to be effective.

Health checks for passengers

The risk of COVID-19 transmission in the modern cabin environment is low due to various factors, including mandatory masking, HEPA-filtered air, and requirements around tests and/or vaccination certificates. However, airports themselves can be high-risk areas for COVID-19 transmission due to the sheer number of people passing through.

To mitigate this risk, health checks for passengers are crucial. Here are some measures that can be implemented for health checks:

• Notification and Awareness: Passenger rail carriers should notify passengers at the time of ticket purchase that they will be subject to a health check and advised to wear masks, especially when physical distancing is not possible. This notification should also be provided prior to boarding, either at the check-in counter or the boarding gate.
• Mandatory Health Checks: Conduct mandatory health checks on every passenger, which can include a set of simple questions and a visual observation for symptoms by a trained employee. Denial of boarding should be applied if the passenger exhibits COVID-19 symptoms, refuses to answer health questions, or has a medical history that indicates a potential risk.
• Health Questionnaire: Ask passengers a set of health-related questions, such as whether they have a fever, cough, or breathing difficulties. If they have been refused boarding in the past due to COVID-19-related reasons or if they are subject to any public health orders. Denial of boarding should be applied if passengers answer yes to these questions or refuse to answer.
• Mask Requirements: Ensure that all passengers above a certain age (except those with valid medical exemptions) wear masks that cover their nose, mouth, and chin securely. Masks should be made of multiple layers of breathable, tightly woven fabric and changed if they become damp or dirty.
• Social Distancing: Encourage passengers to maintain a physical distance of at least 2 meters from staff and other travellers, wherever possible.
• Medical Certificate: If a passenger is denied boarding due to exhibiting symptoms, they can be allowed to board if they present a medical certificate confirming that their symptoms are not related to COVID-19.
• Follow-up Guidance: Advise passengers who are denied boarding due to health reasons to follow local health authority guidelines and wait for the recommended period before attempting to travel again.

These measures can help ensure that passengers are screened effectively for COVID-19 risks, reducing the chances of transmission within airports and during travel. It is important to adapt these measures based on local regulations and guidelines and to prioritize the privacy and dignity of passengers throughout the health check process.

Air quality and ventilation

Air Quality

• Ventilation Systems: Airports, especially in highly populated areas, often face challenges in maintaining effective ventilation and air distribution designs. It is crucial to ensure sufficient fresh air supply and efficient pollutant exhaust systems.
• Airflow Patterns: Understanding airflow patterns within airport terminals is essential. Studies have shown that different ventilation modes can impact the comfort and health of passengers. For example, specific modes may influence temperature, wind speed, and the dispersion of pollutants like carbon dioxide (CO2) and aerosols.
• Pollution and Contaminants: Airports with high passenger traffic can have higher levels of pollutants, including CO2 and particulate matter (PM). Proper ventilation systems are necessary to maintain healthy air quality and reduce the spread of respiratory infections.
• HEPA Filters: High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are commonly used in aircraft cabins and are highly effective at removing viruses, bacteria, and fungi. These filters, similar to those in hospitals, contribute to cleaner air quality.

Ventilation

• Fresh Air Intake: Bringing in fresh outdoor air is crucial for improving indoor air quality. Opening doors and windows or using exhaust fans can help increase the amount of fresh air circulating within the airport.
• HVAC Systems: Central heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems play a vital role in maintaining air quality. Ensuring these systems meet or exceed the minimum outdoor air ventilation requirements is essential.
• Air Changes per Hour (ACH): Aiming for at least five ACH of clean air is recommended. This can be achieved through central ventilation systems, natural ventilation, or additional devices to enhance the overall ACH.
• Face Masks: The consistent use of face masks by both employees and travellers is a critical component of reducing the spread of COVID-19. Airports should have clear policies and enforce the use of face masks to protect passengers and staff.
• Social Distancing: Encouraging social distancing, when possible, can help reduce the risk of transmission. Spacing out seating arrangements and providing visual cues for physical distancing can be beneficial.
• Local Guidelines: It is important to follow local and federal guidelines regarding face masks and other preventive measures. Staying informed about the latest recommendations is essential for maintaining a safe airport environment.

Frequently asked questions