North Austin News

In the aviation industry, winter presents specific challenges for airlines and airports. The season can bring a mix of wind, snow, and ice that affects travel, requiring thorough preparation and coordination among airports, the FAA, airlines, and other partners to ensure safe operations.

At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), the Department of Aviation is tasked with preparing airport property such as roadways, runways, and terminals for winter conditions. While airlines handle de-icing their aircraft, AUS teams address ice accumulation on walkways and infrastructure.

Preparation begins with weather forecasts from the National Weather Service. The AUS Emergency Management team disseminates updates for situational awareness within the Department of Aviation. This includes expected weather dates and times, temperatures, potential risks to personnel or operations, freezing patterns, safety tips, and more.

The Airside Operations team works continuously inside and outside the airport during these events. Runway closures are rare; one notable closure occurred during Winter Storm Uri in 2021 due to over six inches of snow. Since then, AUS has invested in snow removal equipment to keep at least one runway open.

For employees required onsite during severe weather events, there are accommodations like bunk rooms with beds and cots available if needed. Passengers stranded at the terminal also have access to sleeping arrangements.

Maintenance teams deploy when ice accumulates on airfields or landside areas by applying a de-icing chemical known as E 36. The airport handles de-icing runways and taxiways while airlines manage their aircraft using stored chemicals onsite. AUS also applies "Dolomite," an anti-icing agent along with sand for traction on roadways.

Two large liquid dispensing trucks apply E 36 based on priority areas like runways first. Hundreds of gallons may be used depending on severity but sufficient supplies are maintained since E 36 doesn't expire or freeze easily.

Environmental Affairs monitors E 36 application ensuring proper handling without excess use flagged back towards Maintenance if necessary.

Snowfall remains unlikely yet possible; therefore dedicated equipment exists ready-to-remove any accumulating snowfall across various surfaces promptly keeping operations running smoothly despite icy conditions allowing flights still take-off though passengers advised checking directly via respective airline regarding status updates amid changing schedules potentially affected elsewhere too!

"Is the airport still open?" remains common inquiry answered affirmatively: “Yes!” followed up advising travelers verify latest flight info through respective carriers given dynamic circumstances affecting itineraries beyond local control sometimes unexpectedly impacting broader networks involved throughout entire journey experience undertaken here today tomorrow future alike...