Lois Larson
A series of airline accidents in early 2025 has raised concerns about the safety of air travel. While most aviation experts say there is no reason for alarm, travellers are understandably worried about the recent accidents, which have been attributed to congested skies and expanding war zones. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has also brought to light several health risks involved in flying, from air circulation in the cabin to shared surfaces in airport restaurants.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety Measures | Airlines and airports are providing wipes and sanitiser, and enforcing the use of face coverings |
| Airlines are using electrostatic antimicrobial sprays to disinfect flights, and providing disinfectant wipes, hand sanitiser, and hygiene kits to passengers | |
| Airlines are giving staff PPE | |
| Air circulation systems in planes filter exhaled air from each passenger | |
| Risks | Sitting next to someone on a plane is much higher risk than sitting one seat apart |
| Waiting in the airport, embarking or disembarking, or touching contaminated surfaces can spread viruses | |
| Delays, ground stoppages, and airport closures can impact air traffic operations | |
| Wind, thunderstorms, low clouds, snow, and rain can cause delays or impact flights | |
| More congested skies and expanding war zones may be making air travel less safe | |
| Near misses at airports may be a warning sign of future collisions |
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What You'll Learn
Air circulation in the cabin
While there is no specific mention of "air circulation in the cabin" in relation to airport safety, it can be assumed that this is an important aspect, given the focus on safety and security in airports.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) all work together to ensure optimal safety and security in airports and aircraft. The FAA, in particular, is responsible for creating and maintaining a safe and reliable aviation system, which includes overseeing airport safety measures, conducting assessments, and setting standards for airport design, construction, and operation. This includes regulations and standards for flight terminals, such as those outlined in 14 CFR Part 139, which aim to guarantee the highest levels of safety and security.
One can assume that air circulation in the cabin is an important aspect of aircraft design and safety, given the focus on creating and maintaining a safe and reliable aviation system. Proper air circulation ensures a constant supply of fresh air and helps maintain comfortable cabin pressure for passengers and crew. It also helps remove any contaminants or pathogens from the air, contributing to a safe and healthy environment, especially during a disease outbreak.
Additionally, technological advances and safety reforms have improved the odds of being in an aircraft crash dramatically. These reforms include advanced navigation technologies, improved training, and enhanced cockpit crew coordination, all of which contribute to a safer flying experience. While there may be concerns about commercial aviation safety due to recent accidents, most aviation experts advise that there is no reason for alarm. Air crashes are rare, and when they do occur, reforms are implemented to make the system safer.
Therefore, while there is no explicit mention of "air circulation in the cabin," it is safe to assume that this is an important aspect of aircraft design and safety, contributing to the overall safety and comfort of passengers and crew.
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Shared surfaces in airport restaurants
Airport restaurants are among the riskiest areas in an airport, with 4.6 out of 51,494 travellers being infected. This is due to the many shared surfaces in airport restaurants, such as trays, railings, and touch panels, which can be touched by thousands of passengers daily. These surfaces provide an environment where viruses can survive for extended periods, as they are often made of plastic or other non-porous materials.
The risk of infection in airport restaurants can be reduced by regularly cleaning and disinfecting these shared surfaces. Research has shown that cleaning airport surfaces every 2 hours can cut norovirus infections by 83%. While handwashing and mask-wearing are important, their impact on reducing the risk of infection is relatively low, with handwashing every 2 hours reducing the risk by only 2%, and mask-wearing 50% of the time reducing the risk by 48%.
To further reduce the risk of infection in airport restaurants, it is important for passengers to practice good hand hygiene. This includes washing hands with soap for at least 15 seconds, as well as using hand sanitiser frequently, preferably every time a shared surface is touched. Passengers should also be provided with disinfectant wipes to clean their seats and personal belongings, such as passports.
Additionally, airports can improve ventilation in restaurant areas to reduce the risk of airborne transmission. While it may not be possible to eliminate all health risks associated with shared surfaces in airport restaurants, implementing these measures can help create a safer environment for passengers and staff.
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Use of PPE by staff
PPE, or personal protective equipment, has become a crucial safeguard against the spread of viruses and other infections. In the context of airports, the use of PPE by staff is essential to ensure the safety of both employees and passengers. Here are some detailed guidelines and recommendations for the use of PPE by airport staff:
Firstly, it is important to assess the specific roles and tasks performed by staff members. Different roles within the airport will have varying levels of interaction with passengers, potentially contaminated surfaces, and other staff members. A risk assessment should be conducted to identify the appropriate PPE for each role. For example, staff working in direct contact with passengers, such as front-desk agents or security personnel, may require different PPE from those working in baggage handling or aircraft maintenance.
The primary components of PPE for airport staff typically include face masks, gloves, eye protection, and, in some cases, protective gowns or aprons. Face masks, such as surgical masks or respirators (N95 or equivalent), are essential to protect against respiratory droplets that may contain viruses. Gloves, preferably disposable, help prevent the spread of germs and reduce the risk of contamination when handling passenger luggage or using shared equipment. Eye protection, such as goggles or face shields, provides an additional barrier against potential exposure to infectious droplets or aerosols. In high-risk areas or when handling potentially contaminated items, protective gowns or aprons can offer further protection.
It is crucial to provide training and guidance to staff on how to properly don, use, and doff PPE. This includes instructions on how to put on and remove each piece of PPE correctly, ensuring that no part of the body is exposed during the process. Proper hand hygiene, including frequent handwashing or the use of hand sanitizers, should also be emphasized before and after touching PPE. Additionally, staff should be educated about the importance of maintaining physical distancing whenever possible, even while wearing PPE, as it is an additional layer of protection and not a standalone solution.
Finally, the availability and accessibility of PPE are key considerations. Airport management should ensure an adequate supply of PPE for all staff members, with designated areas for donning and doffing the equipment. Proper disposal methods for used PPE, such as designated bins for different types of waste, should also be clearly communicated and implemented. Regular audits and feedback systems can help identify any issues or improvements needed regarding the availability and proper use of PPE.
By following these guidelines and staying up-to-date with local health authority recommendations, airport staff can effectively utilize PPE to minimize the risk of infection and contribute to a safer airport environment for both employees and travelers.
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Near misses at airports
In February 2023, a near collision occurred between a FedEx plane and a Southwest aircraft in Austin, Texas, due to incorrect assumptions by an air traffic controller. In June of the same year, two consecutive aircraft taking off from San Francisco International Airport nearly hit a Frontier Airlines plane whose nose had intruded onto the runway, with the FAA describing the encounter as "skin to skin".
In August 2023, a controller at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport cleared American Flight 1388 for takeoff to New York. The pilot incorrectly repeated the directions back to the controller, who did not catch the mistake. The plane then banked left instead of right, directly into the path of an oncoming Southwest flight. The two planes came dangerously close, within a third of a mile horizontally and 300 feet vertically of each other.
In July 2024, a Southwest Airlines pilot had to abort a landing at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to avoid colliding with a Delta Air Lines 737 that was preparing to take off on the same runway. Later that month, a Diamond DA42 four-seater made an unauthorized landing at Hector International Airport in Fargo, North Dakota, coming within 50 feet of a Cessna 172 that was taking off.
These incidents have raised concerns about aviation safety and the strain on understaffed air traffic control operations. The FAA is taking steps to address the problem, including investing in new technologies and hiring more air traffic controllers.
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Runway safety
To enhance runway safety, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented several measures. One such initiative is the Runway Safety Action Teams (RSAT), which bring together local airport stakeholders to identify and address surface-level risks. These teams meet at least annually and develop Runway Safety Action Plans to improve safety at individual airports. Additionally, the FAA has introduced Runway Status Lights (RWSL), a technology that enhances situational awareness for aircrews and airport vehicle drivers by illuminating red in-pavement lights to indicate potentially unsafe situations.
The FAA has also embraced a Risk-Based Safety Management (RBSM) approach, which enables a systemic view of the runway environment and the identification of risks before they become critical events. This proactive strategy involves collaboration across different segments of the aviation industry and utilizes data-driven decision-making to enhance safety.
IATA (International Air Transport Association) also prioritizes runway safety and collaborates with various partners, including member airlines, airports, regulators, and aircraft manufacturers, to develop and implement safety strategies that specifically target runway-related risks. Their Global Runway Safety Action Plan (GRSAP) offers recommended actions for various stakeholders to reduce the rate of runway excursions and incursions, thereby improving overall runway safety.
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Frequently asked questions
There have been several airline accidents in early 2025, which has raised concerns about commercial aviation safety. However, most aviation experts say there is no reason for alarm. Air crashes are rare, and when they do occur, the cause is usually identified and the system is made safer to prevent future accidents.
Airports are taking measures to create a safe, clean environment for passengers and staff. However, there are still health risks involved, especially from shared surfaces in airport restaurants. It is recommended that you bring your own sanitising wipes and hand sanitiser to disinfect surfaces and your hands.
The risk of catching COVID-19 on a plane can be reduced by various measures. Most airlines are using electrostatic antimicrobial sprays to disinfect flights and are offering disinfectant wipes and hand sanitiser to passengers. Blocking out the middle seat can reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 by almost half. Additionally, wearing a face mask can provide further protection.
To stay safe while flying, it is recommended to book a window seat, as this will reduce the number of people you are exposed to. If travelling in a group, it is best to sit together to minimise your risk of exposure. It is also important to use the air vent above your head, as this creates an air barrier between you and the neighbouring passenger.
