Winter Is Coming: 5 Ways In Which Airlines & Airports Deal With Snow & Ice

Winter often throws a curveball for the travel business. Snow and ice may seriously disrupt airport operations and airline schedules, despite the appeal of warm fires and wintry scenery.
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From de-icing planes to maintaining clear runways, winter operations require meticulous planning and execution. Here are five ways airlines and airports deal with snow and ice to minimize winter disruptions.
1 Weather forecasting
Anticipating and preparing for disruptions
Accurate weather forecasting is the first line of defense when dealing with winter weather. The sooner they know a storm is coming, the better they can prepare.
Advanced meteorological tools : Airports and airlines rely on real-time weather data to predict snowstorms, ice formation, and other winter phenomena. Accurate forecasting allows airports to prepare snow removal teams, stockpile de-icing chemicals, and plan operational shifts well in advance.
: Airports and airlines rely on real-time weather data to predict snowstorms, ice formation, and other winter phenomena. Accurate forecasting allows airports to prepare snow removal teams, stockpile de-icing chemicals, and plan operational shifts well in advance. Key decisions : According to DTN, a company that provides weather analysis, forecasts, and data insights, airports follow three common winter-weather decision-making processes: adjusting flight schedules to avoid major snowstorms, closing sections of the airport to focus on key operational areas, and deploying additional resources to ensure runway safety.
: According to DTN, a company that provides weather analysis, forecasts, and data insights, airports follow three common winter-weather decision-making processes: adjusting flight schedules to avoid major snowstorms, closing sections of the airport to focus on key operational areas, and deploying additional resources to ensure runway safety. Technology: These include friction testers that gauge the amount of traction between tires and the runway, sensor-equipped runways that provide real-time data on surface temperature, moisture content, general runway conditions, and innovation tools.
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2 Runway and taxiway snow removal
The backbone of airport operations
Runway and taxiway snow removal is critical to airport operations during winter weather. If snow accumulates on runways, aircraft cannot take off or land safely. Airports prepare for snowfall year-round, much like Santa gets ready for his sleigh each year. Winter activities rely heavily on careful preparation.
Snow removal equipment : Airports invest in specialized equipment, such as plows, sweepers, blowers, and brushes, to clear snow and ice from runways, taxiways, and aprons.
: Airports invest in specialized equipment, such as plows, sweepers, blowers, and brushes, to clear snow and ice from runways, taxiways, and aprons. A comprehensive snow removal plan: procedures for clearing runways, taxiways, and other critical areas. It also includes details on equipment, staffing, and disposal of removed snow. Teams coordinate to clear miles of runway in minutes during heavy snowstorms.
De-icing chemicals : Airports use glycol-based de-icing chemicals or sand mixtures to prevent ice buildup and guarantee that aircraft have proper friction with the runway.
: Airports use glycol-based de-icing chemicals or sand mixtures to prevent ice buildup and guarantee that aircraft have proper friction with the runway. Efficient protocols and pre-deployment: Airports in snow-prone regions, such as Helsinki or Munich, are highly efficient, keeping delays to a minimum even in harsh weather. Advanced weather forecasting tools anticipate snowfall and ice accumulation, allowing for the pre-deployment of equipment and staff before the storm hits.
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Related 5 Important Steps In Preparing An Aircraft For Winter Flying There are several things you can do to prepare your plane for winter.
3 De-icing and anti-icing
Preventing ice accumulation on wings
De-icing an aircraft is an essential procedure that keeps ice from building on vital areas such as the wings and tail sections. It must be done before the plane takes off. Even a tiny layer of ice can significantly impair an aircraft’s lift production and jeopardize its safety. Pilots will refuse to take off without ensuring their plane has been properly de-iced, regardless of the delays it might cause.
Aircraft de-icing process : Pilots lower the wing flaps and turn off the ventilation systems on their aircraft to block out any chemical smells. The team then sprays de-icing fluid, a combination of propylene glycol, various chemicals, and water heated to 160-180 degrees F and sprayed under pressure to remove frost, ice, and snow from the aircraft.
: Pilots lower the wing flaps and turn off the ventilation systems on their aircraft to block out any chemical smells. The team then sprays de-icing fluid, a combination of propylene glycol, various chemicals, and water heated to 160-180 degrees F and sprayed under pressure to remove frost, ice, and snow from the aircraft. Timing of de-icing: An aircraft’s de-ice time might vary. It might take anywhere from six to 10 minutes to finish with frost. A real snow event might take anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes, depending on the amount and density of snow. A half-hour is needed for heavy, wet snow.
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Location : Airports in colder countries provide a special area for this process in the winter. These areas, known as de-icing pads, are either close to the runways or along the taxiways from the gate to the runway. For example, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) has two de-icing pads at this airport: one along runway 18 and the other in front of Terminal 1. De-icing can also be done at the gate or stand.
: Airports in colder countries provide a special area for this process in the winter. These areas, known as de-icing pads, are either close to the runways or along the taxiways from the gate to the runway. For example, Frankfurt Airport (FRA) has two de-icing pads at this airport: one along runway 18 and the other in front of Terminal 1. De-icing can also be done at the gate or stand. Anti-icing: Anti-icing fluid must be given to vital surfaces like the wings and tail after de-icing, especially if snow, freezing rain, or sleet is forecast. This creates a protective layer on the aircraft to prevent new snow and ice from accumulating during taxiing and takeoff.
4 Cold weather aircraft maintenance
Ensuring safety amid icy conditions
Cold weather can affect the integrity of aircraft systems throughout the winter. Airlines must perform certain maintenance inspections to ensure the aircraft is prepared for the winter.
Regular inspections : Airlines carry out particular maintenance inspections to ensure that aircraft systems, such as the hydraulics, fuel, and electrical components, are prepared for the winter.
: Airlines carry out particular maintenance inspections to ensure that aircraft systems, such as the hydraulics, fuel, and electrical components, are prepared for the winter. Fuel additives : To prevent fuel from freezing at high altitudes, airlines use additives, ensuring smooth flight operations even in extreme cold.
: To prevent fuel from freezing at high altitudes, airlines use additives, ensuring smooth flight operations even in extreme cold. Frost damage inspection: Extended exposure to the cold may harm an aircraft’s exterior, necessitating thorough examination and maintenance.
Photo: Steve Heap | Shutterstock
5 Airline and airport communication
Keeping passengers informed
There’s no denying that efficient communication among airlines, airports, and travelers can greatly lessen the anxiety and confusion that winter storms frequently bring.