Ruth Haines
Airports are large enterprises that require continuous, reliable electricity to power their operations and facilities. However, power outages can occur due to various factors, including aging infrastructure, extreme weather events, cyber and physical attacks, and equipment failures. These disruptions can have significant impacts on airport operations, leading to flight cancellations and delays, diverted incoming aircraft, and disruptions to essential services such as security screening and baggage handling. To mitigate the effects of power losses, airports have implemented measures to enhance their electrical resilience, including conducting infrastructure assessments, installing backup generators or solar panels, and exploring the use of microgrids for independent power generation, distribution, and storage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airports losing electricity | Yes |
| Impact of power outages on airport operations | Diversion of incoming aircraft to nearby airports, disruption of passenger check-ins, malfunction of security screening equipment, shutdown of lights, air-conditioning, heating, moving walkways, elevators, and baggage carousels |
| Backup power sources for airports | Diesel generators, solar panels, microgrids |
| Airport resilience projects | Electrical infrastructure assessments, installation of backup power equipment, replacement of electrical substations |
| Organizations supporting airport resilience | Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Airport Improvement Program, Airport Terminal Program |
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What You'll Learn
Airports have backup systems to prevent outages
Airports are complex transportation hubs that play a major role in contributing to the world's economy and support millions of jobs. A power outage can significantly disrupt an airport's operations and bring them to a grinding halt. Incoming aircraft are diverted to nearby airports, passengers cannot check in for their flights, security screening equipment may not function, lights go off, and baggage carousels come to a halt.
Fortunately, airports have backup systems in place to prevent outages from causing extended disruptions. Most airports have backup diesel generators that kick in if the power goes off. These generators can generally deliver ample electricity for as long as necessary, provided they have enough fuel. Backup generators can start up in a matter of seconds to avoid any disruptions.
In addition to diesel generators, some airports are also installing microgrids—systems that independently generate, distribute, and store power. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is offering new and expanded grant programs to help fund these projects. Airports are also conducting electrical infrastructure assessments and undertaking projects to improve their electrical infrastructure.
By having backup systems in place, airports can ensure that critical systems continue to operate in the event of a power outage, minimizing disruptions and maintaining the smooth flow of operations and passenger experiences.
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Power outages can cause flight cancellations
Power outages can have a significant impact on airport operations, leading to flight cancellations and delays. Airports rely on continuous and reliable electricity to power various systems and facilities, including airfield operations and airport terminals. When there is a sudden loss of power, airport operations can be severely disrupted.
A notable example of the impact of power outages on flight cancellations occurred in 2017 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. A power outage lasting 11 hours resulted in approximately 1,200 to 1,593 cancelled flights and significant costs for airlines and passengers. Similarly, a major power outage across Spain and Portugal in 2025 led to dozens of flight cancellations and disruptions.
During a power outage, essential airport systems and equipment may become inoperable. This includes passenger check-in systems, security screening equipment, lighting, air conditioning, moving walkways and elevators, and baggage carousels. Without these systems functioning properly, the safety and efficiency of airport operations can be compromised, leading to flight cancellations.
To mitigate the impact of power outages, airports have implemented measures to enhance their electrical resilience. This includes conducting electrical infrastructure assessments, improving critical infrastructure, and installing backup power systems such as diesel generators, solar panels, and microgrids. These backup systems can provide temporary power during an outage, allowing essential operations to continue until the main power supply is restored.
While power outages can cause flight cancellations, airports are taking proactive steps to enhance their electrical resilience and minimize disruptions. By investing in backup power solutions and improving their infrastructure, airports can reduce the frequency and duration of flight cancellations due to power outages, ensuring safer and more reliable operations for passengers and airlines.
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Electrical outages can be caused by ageing infrastructure
Airports are complex systems that rely on a continuous and reliable electricity supply to function. A power outage can bring airport operations to a grinding halt, causing significant disruptions and impacting tens of thousands of jobs. Incoming aircraft may be diverted, passengers cannot check in, security screening equipment fails, and everything from lights to baggage carousels stops working.
Electrical outages at airports can be caused by a variety of factors, and ageing infrastructure is a critical concern. Over time, electrical systems, including power lines, transmission towers, and transformers, can deteriorate due to weather conditions, natural disasters, and everyday wear and tear. This deterioration can lead to equipment failure, such as short circuits or voltage drops (brownouts), resulting in power outages.
In 2017, a fire at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport caused a power outage that lasted 11 hours, leading to the cancellation of about 1,200 to 1,593 flights and costing an airline around $50 million. This incident highlighted the outdated infrastructure at American airports, which experts believe could lead to similar events at other airports.
To enhance electrical resilience, airports are taking proactive measures. Many are conducting electrical infrastructure assessments and implementing projects to upgrade their systems. This includes installing backup power sources, such as diesel generators, solar panels, and microgrids, to ensure a continuous supply of electricity during outages.
By investing in modernizing their electrical infrastructure and adopting resilient technologies, airports can minimize the risk of power outages due to ageing infrastructure and maintain smooth and safe operations.
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Airports are enhancing their ability to withstand power disruptions
A power outage can bring airport operations to a standstill, causing flight cancellations, diversions, and costly delays. It can also cause passenger check-in systems, security screening equipment, lighting, air conditioning, baggage carousels, and moving walkways to cease functioning. Airports, like other large enterprises, are designed to have backup systems in place, such as diesel-powered generators, to ensure continuous operations during primary power failures.
However, in some cases, backup systems may also fail, as seen in the 2017 Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport outage, resulting in significant disruptions. Recognizing the impact of power disruptions, airports are taking proactive measures to enhance their resilience. Many airports are improving their electrical infrastructure by installing backup generators or exploring renewable options like solar panels.
Some airports are going a step further by considering the implementation of microgrids, which are systems that independently generate, distribute, and store power, providing an additional layer of redundancy. These initiatives are supported by funding programs, such as the Airport Improvement Program and the Airport Terminal Program, which offer grants for electrical resilience projects.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and similar organizations in other countries are playing a pivotal role in guiding and funding airports' efforts to enhance their electrical resilience. Through interviews, inspections, and the provision of guidance, these organizations are helping airports identify vulnerabilities, implement improvements, and secure the necessary financial resources for resilience projects.
By investing in infrastructure upgrades, backup power solutions, and exploring alternative energy sources, airports are bolstering their ability to withstand and rapidly recover from power disruptions, minimizing the impact on passengers, airlines, and the broader aviation industry.
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The FAA is offering grants to help fund electrical resilience projects
Power outages at airports can have a significant impact on operations, causing flight cancellations and delays, disrupting passenger check-ins, disabling security equipment and baggage carousels, and more. Airports typically have backup power systems, such as diesel generators, to mitigate the effects of power losses. However, the occurrence of power outages highlights the need for improved electrical resilience at airports.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is offering grants to support airports in enhancing their electrical resilience and infrastructure. These grants are part of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and other initiatives aimed at improving airport safety, sustainability, and resilience.
For instance, the FAA has expanded AIP funding eligibility to include the Energy Supply, Redundancy, and Microgrids Program projects, which encompass electrical power resilience initiatives. Airports can now receive funding for projects that enhance their ability to withstand and rapidly recover from power disruptions. This includes installing backup generators, solar panels, and microgrids, which are independent systems for generating, distributing, and storing power.
The FAA's grant programs also focus on sustainability and modernization. Several airports have received funding for sustainability projects, such as the installation of zero-emissions vehicles and chargers, as well as energy-efficient systems like renewable energy setups and solar photovoltaic panels. The grants also support the modernization of terminals and the expansion of airport facilities, contributing to increased competition and improved accessibility for travellers.
Additionally, the FAA provides guidance and outreach to increase airports' awareness of available federal funding for resilience projects. The FAA works closely with airports to ensure the resilience of electrical power systems, recognising the critical need for continuous and reliable electricity in airport operations.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, airports can and do lose electricity. Power outages can be caused by aging infrastructure, extreme weather events, cyber and physical attacks, and other risks that can damage electrical infrastructure and communications systems.
A power outage can significantly disrupt an airport's operations. When an airport loses electricity, incoming aircraft may be diverted to nearby airports, passengers cannot check in for their flights, security screening equipment may not function, and everything from lights and air-conditioning to baggage carousels and elevators will be affected.
Power outages at airports can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. For example, a power outage at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in 2017 lasted for 11 hours, resulting in about 1,200 cancelled flights and costing an airline around $50 million.
Yes, airports, like other large enterprises, are designed to have backup power sources in place, such as diesel-powered generators, to ensure they can continue operating during a power outage.
Airports can improve their resilience to power outages by conducting electrical infrastructure assessments, undertaking projects to improve electrical infrastructure, and installing equipment to generate additional backup power, such as microgrids, solar panels, or other renewable energy sources.
