BACKGROUND
Recent events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have shown how small airports (general aviation (GA), non-hub, and small-hub commercial service), which have limited resources and expertise, are often ill-prepared to address airport disruptions. Airport disruptions are situations that impact staffing, financial and information technology (IT) resources, infrastructure, facilities, and supply chain shortages.
Specifically, these airports have challenges with effective coordination and integration of contingency planning (operational and business continuity, emergency response, financial sustainability and resiliency). Research is needed to help small airports benefit by integrating all aspects of contingency planning to sustain operations and build resiliency.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this research is to develop guidance to assist small airports to effectively integrate plans for operational and business continuity, emergency response, financial sustainability, and resiliency to respond to airport disruptions.
Considerations for development of the guidance should include at a minimum:
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Identification of existing and available reports and resources that would assist in development of a reference library;
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A sampling of case studies at a variety of relevant types and sizes of small airports and other industry entities (e.g., rail, highways, ports, utilities) that reflect best practices of integration;
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Identification or development of tools (e.g., flow charts, checklists, decision trees) that will assist in the integration;
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Flexibility for integration with respect to event complexity, airport size, and its resources (internal and external); and
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A process for conducting a cost benefit analysis of integration.
