Maintaining airport business continuity and operations during disaster response: The role of command and control relationships with emergency management agencies

Abstract

Airports of all sizes and types are increasingly important in national, regional and global disaster relief. However, when an airport gets involved in disaster or catastrophe response, its business and operational continuity can be seriously disrupted. As such, the success of aid missions depends on the airport’s preparedness, coordination, cooperation and interoperability. However, the key in every case is the relationship, or lack of relationship, between the airport and adjoining, regional and national emergency management agencies. This paper uses case studies of the incident command context for airports in pre-Katrina New Orleans, Memphis, Dallas-Fort Worth and London Heathrow to illustrate key issues and apply theory to practical concerns.