Jazmin Li
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on airports and air travel, with passenger traffic at airports decreasing and flights being cancelled or delayed. Industry experts predict that it may take until 2025 for airports to return to pre-pandemic levels and for air travel to feel normal again. In the meantime, airports and airlines have implemented various precautions and adaptations to ensure the safety of passengers and staff, such as plexiglass dividers, masks, social distancing, and pre-flight health questions. Additionally, the cost of jet fuel has increased, which may result in higher airfares. Aside from the pandemic, airports also face challenges such as power outages and fires, which can cause disruptions and temporary closures. For instance, Heathrow Airport in London experienced a shutdown due to a fire at a nearby substation, affecting thousands of flights and causing travel chaos. While airports are working to recover and resume normal operations, it is clear that the road to pre-pandemic normalcy may be a long one.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | March 22, 2025 |
| Location | Heathrow Airport, London |
| Reason | Fire at a nearby substation |
| Impact | 1,351 flights affected |
| Recovery | Expected to be back to normal by Saturday, March 23, 2025 |
| Precautions | Masks, social distancing, and pre-flight health questions |
| Industry Outlook | Recovery expected between 2024 and 2025 |
| Jet Fuel Costs | May increase fares |
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What You'll Learn
Travel disruptions due to power outages
Power outages can significantly disrupt an airport's operations. Airports require continuous and reliable electricity to power airfield operations and airport facilities. A power outage at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in 2017 led to approximately 1,200 cancelled flights and cost an airline around $50 million. Similarly, a power outage at London's Heathrow Airport, the biggest of six airports serving London, caused by a fire at a nearby electrical substation, affected more than 1,300 flights and stranded hundreds of thousands of passengers worldwide.
In the event of a power outage, airports with backup power systems in place can prevent disruptions. However, these systems may not always be sufficient to power the entire airport. Heathrow, for instance, had backup power for its key systems, but it took time to kickstart alternative power supplies for the whole airport. Additionally, even when power is restored, various systems need to be rebooted and checked for stability, causing further delays.
To enhance electrical resilience, many airports are improving their electrical infrastructure. This includes conducting electrical infrastructure assessments, undertaking projects to improve electrical infrastructure, and installing equipment to generate additional backup power, such as backup generators or solar panels. Some airports are also considering the installation of microgrids—systems that independently generate, distribute, and store power.
While these measures can help minimize travel disruptions due to power outages, they may not entirely prevent them. In the case of a power outage, travellers can expect delays and cancellations, with manual processes being implemented to manage operations. For example, during a power outage affecting multiple airports globally, Berlin Airport and Delhi Airport experienced delays and had to register boarding passes and inform passengers of departures manually.
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Impact of the pandemic on airport operations
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on airport operations, causing adverse effects in almost every country. As one of the sectors most affected by the pandemic, the aviation industry faced new challenges and regulations. Airports and airlines laid off thousands of workers due to travel restrictions and reduced operating costs. Flexible work arrangements, leave options, and employee layoffs were recommended to reduce costs. According to Oxford Economics, there were 2.3 million fewer jobs in global aviation in September 2021 compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The rapid decline in air traffic and the subsequent recovery also affected human resources management. Airports faced challenges in managing their workforce during the pandemic and ensuring trained staff availability during the recovery phase. The crisis highlighted the lack of systematic analysis of human resource management during the pandemic and its impact on airport operations. Airports had to adapt their modus operandi during the low traffic phase and adjust again during the recovery period, facing problems due to a lack of qualified staff.
The COVID-19 pandemic is unique compared to past outbreaks, such as SARS in 2003 or MERS in 2012, as it spread worldwide and caused territorially unlimited economic impacts. Airports have learned from past outbreaks and prepared for pandemic situations by reinforcing crisis communications and planning with robust business continuity strategies. However, the rapid and dynamic nature of the COVID-19 crisis posed challenges in managing the workforce and ensuring business continuity.
The pandemic has also brought new regulations and risk factors to consider in future planning. Airports and airlines must carefully assess key personnel's leave to balance unforeseen infections with legislative guidelines. The impact of the pandemic on airport operations has been significant, and recovery is slow. Understanding the specific problems airports face during this recovery period is essential for improving crisis management and ensuring a smooth return to normal operations.
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Safety measures and precautions for passengers
While airports and airlines have introduced a variety of safety measures and precautions to protect passengers, it is important to remember that air travel always carries some inherent risks. Here are some key measures and precautions that passengers should be aware of:
Health Screening and Temperature Checks:
Passengers may be required to answer health screening questions and undergo temperature checks upon check-in and arrival at their destination. These measures are implemented to identify potentially unwell individuals and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Hygiene Kits:
Many airports and airlines mandate the use of face masks or coverings for passengers and crew members. Some airlines, like Emirates, provide complimentary hygiene kits that include masks, gloves, antibacterial wipes, and hand sanitiser. It is recommended to carry your own face covering and hand sanitiser for added protection.
Social Distancing and Reduced Contact:
Airports and airlines have implemented social distancing measures at gates, counters, and kiosks. They also encourage online check-ins and provide floor markers to guide passengers in maintaining a safe distance. To minimise physical contact with the crew, some airlines have introduced limited onboard menu options and zoning systems for boarding.
Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection:
Airlines have increased the frequency and scope of cleaning, especially in high-traffic areas such as gate areas, ticket counters, and baggage services. Aircraft are thoroughly cleaned between flights using stronger disinfectants, and lavatories are cleaned at regular intervals during the flight. Additionally, high-touch surfaces are disinfected using products recommended by reputable health organisations.
Air Filtration Systems:
Aircraft are now commonly equipped with hospital-grade High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration systems. These advanced air-filtration systems continuously circulate and filter the air, capturing airborne particles and improving the overall air quality in the cabin.
New Checkpoint Screening Technology:
Transport Security Administration (TSA) has introduced advanced screening technologies, such as Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) and Computed Tomography (CT) units. These innovations enhance security, improve scanning and threat detection capabilities for carry-on bags, and streamline the screening process by eliminating the need to remove liquids or laptops from bags.
Firearm Regulations:
Passengers must be aware of strict regulations regarding firearms. Firearms must be properly declared, unloaded, and packed in a hard-sided, locked case in checked luggage. Bringing firearms to security checkpoints, even accidentally, can result in significant penalties and delays.
While these measures provide a layer of protection, it is also important for passengers to take personal responsibility for their health and safety. Staying informed about the latest guidelines, arriving early at the airport, and adhering to all safety protocols are essential for a safe and enjoyable travel experience.
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Recovery of the aviation industry
The aviation industry has been on the road to recovery since the COVID-19 pandemic, with the number of airline flights gradually increasing. However, the industry has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, and it is projected that a full recovery will take a few years. Domestic travel is expected to recover more quickly than international travel, with international travel projected to return to pre-COVID-19 levels by 2025.
Despite the challenges, there are reasons to be optimistic about the industry's recovery. The North American market, for example, is expected to turn a profit of $8.8 billion by the end of 2022, and industry losses are projected to decrease. The Middle East's aviation sector is also experiencing a positive trend, with increased passenger numbers, cargo, and fleet sizes.
Digitization and sustainability initiatives are expected to play a significant role in the industry's recovery. New health and safety guidance, such as enhanced traceability of customers and aircraft decontamination procedures, have also become necessary components of the aviation industry's rebound.
Business travel is also expected to recover more swiftly than leisure travel, as remote working may have reduced the demand for leisure travel and time spent in transport hubs. Despite bailouts from governments, the aviation industry believes more could have been done to support them, and discussions around the future of sustainable aviation are ongoing.
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Alternative power sources for airports
Power outages at airports can cause significant disruptions, leading to cancelled flights and substantial financial losses. To enhance electrical resilience, airports are exploring alternative power sources and backup solutions. One notable example is Pittsburgh International Airport, which utilizes a "microgrid" system, combining on-site natural gas turbines and solar panels to ensure stable power supply and reduce energy costs.
Microgrids are gaining popularity among airports as they can independently generate, distribute, and store power, providing resilience against power disruptions. Airports are also increasingly adopting solar power and battery storage systems to curb carbon emissions and prepare for future energy needs. Denver International Airport, for instance, has implemented a solar-powered battery storage system to keep its underground trains operational during emergencies.
Another approach to improving electrical resilience is through the use of automatic transfer switches. These switches offer a redundant AC power source, ensuring uninterrupted power supply to critical equipment. They are highly reliable, with a failure rate of less than 1% over several years of operation. Manila Airport in the Philippines is currently installing over 100 automatic transfer switches as part of its expansion and upgrade plans.
To further reduce their carbon footprint, airports are also focusing on electrifying ground support equipment (GSE). Electric GSE, such as towing tractors and hydraulic lifts, can be more efficiently powered by electric sources than traditional diesel motor vehicles. The presence of electric recharging points can also help reduce traffic congestion caused by ground support operations. Financial incentives and streamlined decision-making processes are being encouraged to support the transition to zero-emission ground fleets.
In summary, airports are actively exploring alternative power sources and backup solutions to enhance electrical resilience and reduce their environmental impact. By adopting microgrids, solar power, battery storage systems, and electric GSE, airports are striving to ensure uninterrupted operations while contributing to a more sustainable future.
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Frequently asked questions
It is predicted that airports will not be back to normal until 2025. This is due to the pandemic causing a decline in air travel, with passenger traffic down 56% compared to the previous year.
Precautions such as plexiglass dividers, masks, social distancing, and pre-flight health questions are expected to become standard.
Heathrow Airport resumed flights on Friday evening, but it is unclear if the airport is back to normal as travel chaos may last for days.
A fire at a nearby substation caused the power outage at Heathrow Airport.
During the power outage, flights were grounded or diverted, affecting at least 1,351 flights to and from Heathrow.
