Airports' Strategic Snow Response: Keeping Flights In Motion

Airports need to prepare for snow to ensure the safety of their passengers and staff. Snow and ice can cause delays and cancellations, and it takes a lot of work to keep runways clear. Airports use various methods to clear snow and ice, including snowploughs, snow blowers, and de-icing chemicals. They also use advanced weather forecasting to predict storms and plan their responses, and some airports even use heating systems under the runways to keep them clear. The key to preventing ice is snow clearance, and airports must ensure they have enough staff and the right equipment to keep their runways clear and safe for aircraft.

Snow removal equipment

Airports that experience heavier snowfall will use a combination of snowploughs, snow blowers, and snowmelt chemicals to keep their runways clear. Snowploughs and snow blowers are the first line of defence against snow and ice build-up. Snowploughs can be attached to vehicles to allow for the quick clearing of large areas. Snow blowers are also attached to vehicles and can move thousands of tons of snow per hour. Snowploughs and blowers are used to clear snow from runways, taxiways, and other areas to ensure that runway markings and lights are not covered.

Some airports, like Stockholm-Arlanda Airport, use runway sweepers, which are large rotary brushes with steel bristles that remove snow and ice from the runway by abrasion. Other airports use giant spinning brooms to clear snow, which are more suitable for dry, blowing snow. To prevent ice from forming, airports use specialised de-icing chemicals that will not cause corrosion on aircraft. These are spread on the runway using trucks with long booms that can cover large areas.

Airports also use standard four-wheel-drive SUVs to help with snow removal. These vehicles are crucial as they can access all parts of the airport and are used to measure the friction on the runway's surface.

Staffing and training

Training for snow preparation usually commences in October to get ready for early winter snowstorms. Crews practice their storm responses, conducting drills during daylight and nighttime hours to simulate various scenarios. The training includes inspecting runways at regular intervals, both during and after snowfall, to monitor for snow accumulation and potential refreezing.

Airports with frequent snow, such as Helsinki Airport (HEL), have specialized equipment and highly trained staff. They use powerful machinery, like Vammas PSB 5500 sweeper blowers and monster snowplows, to efficiently clear snow from runways.

In addition to standard snow removal equipment, airports also utilize four-wheel-drive SUVs as crucial vehicles for winter maintenance crews. These SUVs help measure runway surface friction and access all areas of the airport.

Staff at airports closely monitor weather forecasts and work with meteorological services to receive advanced warnings of impending storms. This allows them to plan and brief staff accordingly, ensuring a rapid response to changing weather conditions.

Runway clearance

One of the most critical aspects of runway clearance is the timely removal of snow. Airports invest in a range of snow-removal vehicles, including powerful snowplows, snow blowers, and rotary brooms. These machines work tirelessly to clear snow from runways, preventing it from accumulating and causing hazards. For instance, Kansas City International Airport (KCI) utilizes 18-foot-wide bladed plows and massive snow blowers capable of moving 7,500 tons of snow per hour. Similarly, Helsinki Airport (HEL) in Finland can clear an 11,500-foot-long runway in just 13 minutes using Vammas PSB 5500 sweeper blowers and 1,500 hp snowblowers.

In addition to snow removal, de-icing is a crucial aspect of runway clearance. Airports use specialized de-icing chemicals to prevent ice formation on runway surfaces. These chemicals are carefully formulated to be effective without causing corrosion to aircraft, a concern not present on roads treated with salt-based chemicals. At KCI, liquid chemical de-icers are stored in large quantities, with 120,000 gallons kept on hand to ensure a constant supply during storms. Once the snow has been cleared, trucks with long booms spread these chemicals on the runway to melt any remaining ice and prevent new ice from forming.

To further aid in runway clearance, airports also employ standard four-wheel-drive SUVs as versatile support vehicles. These SUVs can access all areas of the airport and are instrumental in measuring the friction on runway surfaces. By assessing friction levels, ground crews can determine if it is safe for aircraft to land or take off, helping to make informed decisions that prioritize safety.

Weather forecasting

Airports use various tools and data sources for weather forecasting, including ground temperature sensors near runways and information from local meteorological offices. While this data aids in short-term predictions, airports also collaborate with national weather services and private weather monitoring companies for advanced warnings about impending storms. For instance, the Kansas City International Airport's operations team typically receives forecasts 72 hours in advance, allowing them to plan, brief staff, and prepare equipment and treatment materials.

The accuracy of weather forecasts is vital for airports to make informed decisions. Inaccurate forecasts can lead to unnecessary expenses and disruptions if airports prepare for snow that never arrives or fail to prepare for a surprise winter storm. Airports in regions with typically milder climates may be less equipped to handle significant snowfall, potentially resulting in prolonged closures.

To enhance their forecasting capabilities, airports utilise advanced technologies such as GPS tracking and live radar feeds. This enables airport managers to efficiently coordinate staff and resources, ensuring a rapid response when snow strikes.

Ice prevention

One crucial strategy is to ensure rapid snow removal from runways and taxiways. Airports invest in a range of specialised snow-clearing equipment, including gigantic snowploughs, snow blowers, and rotary brooms. For instance, Helsinki Airport in Finland can clear an 11,500-foot-long runway of snow in just 13 minutes using powerful Vammas PSB 5500 sweeper blowers and monster snowploughs. Airports also employ chemical de-icers to prevent ice from forming. These chemicals are specially formulated to be aviation-grade, free from rocks or pebbles, and non-corrosive to aircraft engines.

In addition to equipment and chemicals, airports also focus on constant preparation and planning. They closely monitor weather forecasts and ground temperature sensors to predict incoming snow and plan their response. Crews practice their storm responses and conduct frequent inspections of the airfield during and after precipitation to prevent ice formation.

Another important aspect of ice prevention is the use of heating systems. While these systems take a couple of days to heat up runways, they can be beneficial in busy airports with frequent landings and take-offs, as the heat from aircraft engines also helps keep surfaces clear.

Frequently asked questions