The Leading Airport Magazine

Interviews

Tirana Airport responds to COVID-19 with aid package and comprehensive protective measures

Tirana International Airport saw the full impact of COVID-19 in April, when it handled 1.5% of normal traffic. Its crisis management strategy includes an aid package for staff, reduced capital expenditure, and comprehensive hygiene and social distancing measures. Dr. Constantin von Alvensleben, Chief Executive Officer, Tirana International Airport, briefed Ross Falconer on these initiatives.

Heathrow Airport: “We need international consensus – so benefits of global travel can be realised to support economic and social recovery from COVID-19”

Heathrow Airport forecasts a 90% decrease in passenger numbers in April 2020. The airport moved to single runway operations on 6 April, while consolidating into Terminals 2 and 5 only. Amanda Owen, Health and Safety Director, Heathrow, explains what steps the airport is taking to prepare for the return of regular operations post-COVID-19.

Bologna Airport on COVID-19 crisis management: “We need, as an airport industry, to design together the recovery curve”

Bologna Airport saw a -86% decrease in passenger numbers in March, as a result of COVID-19. Its CEO Nazareno Ventola explains how the airport quickly established a Crisis Committee, emphasising the importance of communication and engaging with customers, business partners and institutions “to design together the recovery curve, protecting and preserving the very nature of airports.”

Helsinki Airport centralises operations in Terminal 2 during COVID-19 crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic has hugely impacted air traffic in Finland. In March, Helsinki Airport’s passenger numbers were down 57.2% compared with the same period last year. Ulla Lettijeff, Director, Helsinki Airport, and SVP Finavia Corporation, spoke to Ross Falconer about the comprehensive COVID-19 crisis management initiatives taking place at the airport.

Frankfurt Airport responds to COVID-19 crisis with defined procedures and major cost-reductions

Like the rest of the European airport industry, Frankfurt Airport has been hit by the COVID-19 crisis, which has affected all business areas from flight operations to ground handling, retail and cargo (especially belly cargo on passenger flights). Robert Payne, Fraport international spokesman, discussed the FRA response to the crisis with Ross Falconer.